Steve Gardner served as President/CEO of ECSI, LLC for 36 years; a consulting practice focused on natural resources, mining, reclamation, energy, environmental, health, and safety issues. In January 2019, ECSI merged with Synterra Corp. where he served as VP Special Projects, Mining & Energy until September, 2021. He is now a Senior Mining Engineer with Tetra Tech and partner in Pitman Green, LLC. He began his career with Bethlehem Steel’s mining operations in East Kentucky and later worked with Tenneco in their gas pipeline operations.

Mr. Gardner has an MS in Mining Engineering, Graduate Certification in Environmental Systems, and a BS in Agricultural Engineering from the University of Kentucky. In 2011, he was inducted into the UK Engineering Hall of Distinction. As a Professional Engineer, he has worked on projects throughout the US and internationally. Early in his career, he served on a volunteer mine rescue team.

He was the 2015 President of the Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration (SME) and recognized as an SME Fellow and Registered Member. Currently, he serves on the SME Foundation Board. He has worked as an engineer, owner, and manager in both mining operations and consulting. He has served on the UK Mining Engineering Foundation, Kentucky Geological Survey, Biosystems & Agricultural Engineering Advisory Boards, and was a member of the Kentucky Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers and Surveyors.