IPAMS employs a highly qualified staff with more than 100 years collective experience.

Marc W. Smith, Executive Director
Marc joined IPAMS in 1996 as Director of Lands and Environment and was promoted to Executive Director in 1999. Marc earned his Masters of Environmental Policy and Management/Natural Resource Management from the University of Denver and a B.S. from Northern Arizona University. Marc has worked in the public, private and non-profit sectors in research, strategic planning, public relations and government affairs positions.

Sarah S. Cornwell, Director of Accounting & Administration
Sally began doing contract accounting for IPAMS in April 1993 and joined IPAMS-GTI four years later. Sally has 20 years of experience as a CPA and auditor in private and public accounting. She attended Kansas State University and holds a B.B.A. in accounting from Wichita State University.

Kathleen Sgamma, Director of Government Affairs
Kathleen joined IPAMS in March 2006. Prior to joining IPAMS, she spent eleven years in the Information Technology sector, including managing the European consulting practice for a software vendor, and three years as a Military Intelligence Officer in the US Army. She holds a BS in Political Science/Defense and Arms Control Studies from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and an MS in Information Technology from Virginia Tech.

Jon Bargas, Director of Public Affairs
Jon joined the IPAMS team in May 2006. Prior to joining IPAMS, Jon served as president of a political consulting and public relations firm. Jon has managed and consulted on numerous political campaigns at every level of government, and has served as spokesman and media consultant to a variety of political and corporate clients. He holds a BA in Political Science and History from Louisiana State University and has completed all coursework for a Master of Arts in Political Science.

Susan Fakharzadeh, Director of Membership and Events
Susan joined IPAMS in February 2010 and brings years of experience in sales and marketing to help expand IPAMS membership base, strategic business plan, marketing, and enhancing existing and new events. Susan spent seven years working in the electronic distribution industry, with roles spanning from strategic marketing to business development. Her diverse background also includes working as a consultant for colleges and universities creating on-line degree programs as well as writing and business development in high-tech. A native of the Rocky Mountain west, Susan grew up in Idaho and attended the University of Colorado at Boulder, and holds a BA in English and Philosophy.

Spencer Kimball, Manager of Government Affairs
Spencer joined IPAMS in July 2006. He is responsible for conducting research and assists staff with public relations, advocacy, and other issues. Spencer attended Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas and holds a B.A. in Political Science.

Becca Ness, Events Coordinator
Becca joined IPAMS in February of 2008. With a career background in both the oil and natural gas industry as well as corporate event planning, she brings a unique blend of talents to the IPAMS team. Prior to joining IPAMS, Becca worked as a senior specialist in accounts payable for an oil and natural gas company in metro Denver. Most recently, she served as an event planner for a large hotel in Colorado, gaining experience and understanding of the hospitality industry. Becca is a North Dakota native and a graduate of Minot State University, where she earned a B.A. in Broadcasting and Public Relations.

Jon Haubert, Manager of Communications
Joining the IPAMS team in October of 2008, Jon comes with experience in politics, policy and communications. Prior to IPAMS, Jon worked in Washington D.C. for Congressman Richard W. Pombo (R-CA), former Chairman of the House Committee on Resources, in addition to a private sector lobbying firm. He will be responsible for IPAMS media relations and community outreach. Jon received his B.A. in Political Science and Minor in History from the University of California at Santa Barbara.