Contingent of CMSP leaders visit Washington, DC for key mine safety meeting 

On December 16, 2025, a contingent of the Certified Mine Safety Professional (CMSP) program leadership team took part in the National Mining Association’s (NMA) in-person Safety & Health Committee meeting. Other participants in the meeting included officials representing the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), including Assistant Secretary Wayne Palmer and members of his leadership team. 

The CMSP credential, held and pursued by a rapidly growing community of the industry’s top safety experts, indicates to peers and prospective employers experience and knowledge of domestic and international best practices, and dedication to elevating safety and health standards on the job. 

Those in attendance representing the CMSP program were Lara Sims (VP Health and Safety, Ivanhoe Electric), John Loff-Peterson (VP, Health and Safety Manager, Barr Engineering Co.), and Kimberly Walster (Mine Safety Manger, Prairie State Generating Company). All three of these individuals currently serve on the International Academy of Mine Safety & Health (IAMSH) of SME, the board that administers the CMSP program. 

Near the end of the meeting, the CMSP leadership team spoke with Secretary Palmer and his people regarding the credential in terms of how it aligns with MSHA’s goals and conveyed the success of CMSP as a critical safety initiative. 

“Having an audience of notable decision makers, including Secretary Palmer, is an important component of our vision for CMSP,” said John Loff-Peterson, CMSP and current member of the IAMSH Board. “The more support and recognition we can get from influential groups, the more we can grow the certification and further enhance mining safety across the industry.” 

To learn more about the CMSP program, including upcoming opportunities to pursue mining’s leading health and safety credential at the MINEXCHANGE 2026 SME Annual Conference & Expo and beyond, visit smecmsp.org.