Kelce became president in 1972 when the association was formed, and was recently succeeded by David Roberson.

 

He formerly worked with Peabody Coal and helped form Arch Mineral Corporation where he was vice-president of operations for almost three years.

 

Kelce was then selected by his state association colleagues as the first chairman of the Regulatory Assistance Program when it was established in 1985. The Regulatory Assistance Program is a cooperative effort of the NMA and state associations to address regulatory issues arising in the field.