He 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 now serves as VP Special Projects, Mining & Energy.

Mr. Gardner has an MS Mining Engineering, Graduate Certification in Environmental Systems and BS 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 2015 President of the Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration (SME) and recognized as a Distinguished Member and Registered Member. Currently he serves as the Vice President of Finance for the SME Foundation. He has worked as an engineer, owner and manager in both mining operations and consulting. He 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.