Extensive experience in commercial nuclear power and radioactive materials. Broad industry, technical and regulatory experience gained over 40 years working in nuclear power including licensing, engineering support, research, inspection and oversight, and emergency planning. Proven results-oriented leader and problem-solver, including at senior management level (Federal Senior Executive Service). Areas of expertise include:
- Extensive experience in licensing and oversight of nuclear facilities
- Resolution of regulatory and policy challenges for small modular reactors
- Resolution of key commercial nuclear reactor technical issues
- Management of licensing for high-level nuclear waste facility
- On-site engineering support for commercial nuclear plants
- Pursuit of excellence in nuclear power operations
Senior Consultant providing nuclear training courses and consulting services to developing countries as part of the International Regulatory Development Partnership (IRDP) program.
Senior Consultant providing emergency planning expertise to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Supported the IAEA in planning the 2020 IAEA technical meeting on emergency planning for Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)and serving as Chair. Revised IAEA emergency planning document to address nexus between emergency planning and security.
Served as a member of the Senior Executive Service (SES) for over eight years. As Director, Division of Preparedness and Response, responsible for all NRC emergency planning and response activities. Led revisions to rules regarding emergency planning for decommissioning nuclear power reactors (NPPs) and SMRs, and testified as subject matter expert witness before the Commission. Also led transformational change to NRC’s emergency response process. As Director, Division of Reactor Projects in NRC Region I, responsible for on-site oversight and NRC event response for all commercial nuclear reactors in the northeastern United States. As Deputy Director, Division of Systems Analysis, Office of Nuclear Regulatory Research, supported Director in leading a wide variety of research work. For example, led development of regulatory tools and codes addressing reactor accident analysis and offsite dose calculations, including high-profile studies such as the State-of-the-Art Reactor Consequence Analysis (SOARCA). Multiple short-term international assignments that included post-Fukushima assistance to the Japanese Nuclear Regulatory Authority, and advise to the U.S. ambassador on event response and mitigation.
Prior to SES promotion, held first-line management position in nuclear reactor regulation. Principal focus was on leading resolution of Generic Safety Issues (GSI), particularly GSI-191, Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR) Sump Clogging. This is widely considered to be one of the most challenging safety issues that the NRC needed to address because of the direct implications on nuclear safety. Progress included full or partial resolution at a number of reactors; and development of a clear and logical process to reach closure for all affected reactors. Prior to this role, served as Branch Chief for the Advisory Committee on Reactor Safeguards and the Advisory Committee on Nuclear Waste. Managed all engineering support for both independent committees tasked with advising the Commission on nuclear safety matters.
As Senior Project Manager in the New Reactor Licensing Project Office, led licensing activities for the first Early Site Permit (ESPSs) for a new reactor, and led development of the review standard that guided NRC’s review for all ESPs . The NRC continues to use this review standard after 15 years.
Licensing supervisor for the Management and Operating Contractor for the proposed Yucca Mountain high-level waste repository. Lead role for developing structure and format of license application to be submitted to the NRC. Co-author of topical report on potential for criticality after nuclear fuel disposal.
Engineering Supervisor at operating commercial nuclear power plant (H.B. Robinson). Supervised on-site reactor engineering support as well as primary and secondary plant mechanical systems. Contributed to improved plant systems reliability that resulted in an increase of consecutive days of power operation. Responded to numerous high-priority equipment and other issues, including many related to safety systems.
As an INPO Evaluator, early participant in process intended to encourage excellence in commercial nuclear power plant operations. Participated in evaluations for over 30 commercial NPPs with a majority in the engineering/technical support area. Identified numerous value-added recommendations to assist member utilities in improving safety and operating more effectively, consistent with INPO guidance developed following the Three Mile Island accident.
Commissioned nuclear-trained submarine officer. Served as reactor controls assistant to assigned submarine’s Chief Engineer. Developed extensive knowledge of nuclear propulsion systems, culminating in qualification as Chief Engineer. Subsequent assignment as division director and instructor of reactor principles at Naval Nuclear Power School.
Member of Senior Executive Service (SES)
Licensed Professional Engineer (nuclear engineering)
Senior Reactor Operator certification (River Bend boiling water reactor)
Chief Engineer (formerly qualified) for naval nuclear propulsion plants
Recipient of NRC’s Meritorious Service Award
B.S., Physics/engineering Physics, U.S. Naval Academy, 1977
M.S., Nuclear Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 1978