June 11, 2026 - Steve shares his “purpose, not agenda” approach to board service—and what he hopes members will do next.

In this Q&A, new SME Board Director Steve Schafrik shares what shaped his pathway to the Board—and why there’s no single “right” route to leadership in SME. He also outlines his early focus on launching SME’s Automation and Robotics Committee and strengthening member engagement.

SME: You’ve been involved with SME for years—how did that path lead you to the Board?

I started as a presenter at SME meetings, both local and national. Soon, I was chairing sessions and making a lot of great connections with other SME members. I was lucky to have several fantastic mentors, who encouraged me to always be more active with SME. Before I knew it, I was on the executive committees for both the Central App Section and the Coal and Energy division. I have served as the chair of both. I was selected to be on the first incarnation of the Industry Innovation Strategic Committee. In all my various volunteer positions within SME, I always try to leverage the group to enhance the membership experience. We have worked hard to create partnerships across society, such as the cooperation between the Pittsburgh Section and Central App, and with outside groups, such as the Coal Prep Society and Central App.

I think that one of SME’s strengths is that everyone takes their own pathway. I wouldn’t suggest that anyone try to repeat exactly the steps that I took. I think that anyone reading this whose goal is to be a Director should get involved with SME. An easy way to figure out where you fit is to attend the open BOD meetings, identify what activities you are interested in, and get involved.

SME: Now that you’re on the Board, what are you focused on first?

Schafrik: Just prior to becoming a board member, I was fortunate to be with the group that founded the Automation and Robotics Committee. I am committed to getting this activity off the ground and off to a strong start. I know the BOD is also excited about this initiative.

I asked many people for advice on coming to the BOD with an agenda. The general consensus was instead to come to the BOD with a purpose. I am following that advice, and my agenda is to increase membership engagement, which will drive new membership and retain existing members. I will be looking for great ideas and opportunities to support. Some of the most impactful things aren’t necessarily big initiatives but realignments of a committee’s activities with its purpose and goals.

SME: For someone who’s new to SME (or thinking about joining), what would you tell them?

Schafrik: Go to meetings, watch presentations you are interested in, tolerate presentations you aren’t interested in, hang out in the hallways, and have meals with your old and new friends. Talk about what you are working on and ask others what they are working on. Before you know it, you will have a massive network of contacts who can help you to be efficient and effective. There’s nothing more professionally satisfying than helping out your friends with your experience and expertise.

SME: From your perspective, what’s the biggest opportunity for SME right now—and the biggest challenge?

Schafrik: I think the general population has begun to understand the challenges society faces as a result of years of neglect and stifling of the mining and minerals industry. Our challenge is to demonstrate that we are more than just our products; we drive technology development, and our technologies are relevant beyond our industry.

SME: What trends are you paying closest attention to in mining right now?

Schafrik: Along with my last answer, I see a renewed interest in mining operations. I think this will put a new emphasis on our members to develop and embrace tools, like Automation and AI, to increase their productivity. In the meantime, we all need to be working to bring talented people into the industry.

SME: What’s stood out to you in your first stretch on the Board?

Schafrik: The first few weeks have been great; we have had enthusiastic deliberations on several important items, and we know that there are more in the pipeline. I just hope I never get used to making big decisions and always give them the consideration they deserve.

SME: Is there a quote (or idea) you come back to?

Schafrik: More and more these days, I find myself saying, “Honesty is the best policy.” I think this is especially true in our industry, and it starts with being honest with ourselves.

SME: Anything you want to leave SME members with?

Schafrik: My door is always open.

Interested in getting more involved with SME—through a local section, technical community, or committee? Attend an event, introduce yourself, and explore volunteer opportunities that match your interests. A simple next step: pick one activity and commit to it for the next few months.

On Friday, June 12 at 10:00 am MT, join SME’s Automation and Robotics Committee (ARC) for an important virtual planning meeting highlighting a series of key activities for member engagement. Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/sT7vRMM3Q460S3AUjM6YSg#/registration

P.S. Nominations for the 2028–2031 Board terms are open now and close July 1. Interested? Submit your nomination (you can nominate someone else—or self-nominate)..