Staff

Mark Ellis, President

Mark Ellis has worked as a lawyer and business professional in the federal government, trade associations, and in the private sector.  Since 2004, Mr. Ellis has served as President of the Industrial Minerals Association – North America (IMA-NA), the principal trade association representing the industrial minerals industry in North America. IMA-NA’s members include companies that mine or process industrial minerals, as well as companies that provide equipment and services to the industry.  Mr. Ellis began his career as an attorney with the Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission, serving in both its Office of Administrative Law Judges and its Office of General Counsel.  As Senior Counsel to the American Mining Congress (known today as the National Mining Association), he represented the U.S. domestic mining industry before Congress, executive departments, and the federal courts on occupational health, safety, and industrial relations issues.  He was Manager of Government and Environmental Affairs for U.S. Borax (known today as Rio Tinto Minerals), the world’s largest supplier of refined borate minerals.  He also served as Vice President and General Counsel of the National Legal Center for the Public Interest, a nonprofit legal and educational foundation.  Prior to joining IMA-NA, Mr. Ellis served as Special Assistant and senior policy advisor to the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Mine Safety and Health. Mr. Ellis is a graduate of the University of Denver College of Law and its College of Business Administration.  An avid outdoorsman, his pastimes include hunting, hiking, and cycling.  He and his family reside in Arlington, Virginia.

Darrell K. Smith, Executive Vice President

Darrell K. Smith is Executive Vice President of the Industrial Minerals Association - North America (IMA-NA) and the National Industrial Sand Association (NISA).  Darrell has been active in the public policy arena in Washington, DC for the past decade and he has a wealth of experience in the legislative and regulatory processes.  Darrell has represented the chemical and petroleum industries, and was the President of the National Association of Shell Marketers, and Director, Public Health Team for the American Chemistry Council.  Darrell has also served in the past as Vice President, Government & Environmental Affairs for IMA-NA and NISA.  Darrell has a reputation of assisting heavy industry in the promotion of a positive, progressive image.  He is well-versed in business sustainable development and corporate social responsibility.  Darrell received his Bachelor of Science degree from The Citadel, and possesses a Master of Public Health degree in environmental science from the University of South Carolina.  He is also a Ph.D. candidate at George Mason University, where his research interests involve the resolution of environmental conflict between the mining industry and indigenous groups.  Prior to his public policy career, Darrell worked in the environmental and safety compliance arena for a number of industries including hazardous waste, telecommunications, electronics and ceramics.  Darrell is a registered lobbyist, and a Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) by the American Board of Industrial Hygiene.  He is a former board member of Innovative Resources Management, Inc. and former member of the board of governors of the American Biofuels Council.  Darrell resides in the Foggy Bottom area of Washington, DC with his wife Jill Crissman (who is a Professional Staff Member at the U.S. House Oversight and Government Reform Committee), and their dog Tiki, and cat Darwin. 

Chris Greissing, Director, External Affairs

Chris Greissing is the Director, External Affairs of the Industrial Minerals Association – North America (IMA-NA) and the National Industrial Sand Association (NISA).  Chris brings an extensive knowledge of Capitol Hill to IMA-NA. Before coming to IMA-NA, Chris worked within the health care and food service industries lobbying and providing counsel to clients on a wide variety of federal legislative and regulatory issues impacting the industry.  Prior to that, Chris began his career by working on Capitol Hill for Congressman Fred Upton.  Chris holds a B.A. from Georgetown University and a J.D. from California Western School of Law in San Diego, CA, and is admitted to the DC Bar.  Chris resides in Reston, VA with his wife Sharon and daughter Emily.

Brenda George, Administrative Assistant

Brenda George currently serves as the Administrative Assistant of the Industrial Minerals Association – North America (IMA-NA) and the National Industrial Sand Association (NISA).  Brenda’s position provides support in managing the day-to-day operation of the associations’ offices.  She has over twenty years of secretarial experience and has served in many capacities within other organizations.  In addition to her secretarial roles, Brenda’s prior experience includes working as an Assistant Librarian and in statistical research.


Paige Huggins, Financial Assistant

Paige Huggins serves as the Financial Assistant of the Industrial Minerals Association – North America (IMA-NA), the National Industrial Sand Association (NISA) and the International Diatomite Producers Association (IDPA).  Paige performs routine financial duties as well as compiles the financial statements, assists with the annual budgets and prepares for the annual audits.  In addition to her role at IMA-NA, NISA and IDPA, Paige is also a bookkeeper for three other businesses.  Paige is recently married and resides in Mount Airy, Maryland with her husband and three dogs.