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Annual World Nuclear Forum

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Excellence through Global Collaboration – Nation by Nation

October 15, 2024
Opening Reception October 14

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The WORLD NUCLEAR FORUM is the inaugural premier annual event that brings together leaders, innovators, and experts from across the globe to foster excellence in nuclear energy through collaboration and shared knowledge. Each year, the forum highlights a featured nation, offering unique insights into that country’s nuclear advancements and contributions to global energy solutions. This year, as we explore the strengths and innovations of France, participants will engage in meaningful dialogue on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, with particular emphasis on closing the fuel cycle in the United States. Tennessee, with its rich history in nuclear technology and world-class research institutions, plays a crucial role in these discussions, bringing local expertise with global impact to the forefront. With a focus on advancing nuclear technology, enhancing international partnerships, and building a skilled workforce, the forum serves as a vital platform for shaping the future of the nuclear industry, one nation at a time. Join us in this unparalleled opportunity to connect, collaborate, and lead the charge in global nuclear excellence with the United States at the forefront.

Focus

Given the momentum nuclear energy is gaining in an increasing number of countries across the world to address the concerns that characterize today’s context (namely global warming and energy security concerns), this year’s ‘Forum’ will focus on the areas to work on, to ensure sustainability of the nuclear option. The case of France will be presented, with a special focus on the fuel cycle, given the limited uranium resources and the need to optimize its use. Franco-American collaboration, and more generally U.S. international perspectives will be presented. As we explore the strengths and innovations of France, participants will engage in meaningful dialogue on the challenges and opportunities ahead.

Agenda

VIEW THE FULL AGENDA HERE

 

Speakers

  • Dr. Sunil Felix , Nuclear Counsellor at the French Embassy

    FelixDr. Sunil Felix became the Nuclear Counsellor at the French Embassy in Washington, DC, on September 1, 2020. After completing his PhD and post-doctoral studies in Mathematics, he joined the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA) in 1990, where he has since worked as a research engineer in Structural Analysis. In addition to his CEA work, Dr. Felix served as Nuclear Counsellor in South Korea, India, and Japan, and acted as Personal Assistant to the Chairman of the Generation IV International Forum (GIF) during the French Presidency from 2006 to 2010. He was awarded the National Order of Merit by French authorities in 2015.

  • Marsha Blackburn, U.S. Senator

    Blackburn

  • Congressman Chuck Fleischmann, U.S. Member of Congress (TN-03) 

    FleischmannCongressman Charles J. “Chuck” Fleischmann is a Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Tennessee’s Third Congressional District. A Member since 2011, Rep. Fleischmann serves on the House Committee on Appropriations and the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. For the 118th Congress, Chuck is the Chairman of the Energy and Water Subcommittee of Appropriations. He also serves on the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education Subcommittee, and Defense Subcommittee of Appropriations. In addition to his service on the Appropriations Committee, Chuck sits on the Energy Subcommittee of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee. During his time in Congress, Chuck has been an active proponent for multiple priorities for East Tennesseans, including increased funding for the Chickamauga Lock and advocating for the Y-12 National Security Complex, the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and the Department of Energy’s Environmental Management program. In the 118th Congress, Chuck was named the Chairman of the Energy and Water Subcommittee of the House Committee on Appropriations. As Chairman, Chuck leads the charge to provide funding for the federal agencies and programs responsible for the United States’ national laboratories, nuclear security, and energy independence. Chuck and his wife, Brenda, have been married for over 30 years and have three boys. They live in Ooltewah, Tennessee.

  • Congressman John Rose, U.S. Member of Congress (TN-06)

    RoseRepresentative John Rose is serving his third term in Congress – representing Tennessee's Sixth Congressional District on the House Agriculture Committee and House Financial Services Committee. A lifelong Tennessean, he was raised in Cookeville and lives there with his wife Chelsea and sons Guy and Sam. 

    As a farmer, attorney and small business owner, Representative Rose’s life experiences have led him to become one of the most conservative members of Congress. That conservative perspective is front and center as   he works to reducing burdensome federal regulations on individuals, families, and businesses, which is a regular part of his work on the prestigious House Financial Services Committee.

    Representative Rose got his start in business as a successful young entrepreneur and remains the owner and president of Boson Software, LLC, an I.T. training enterprise. Prior to serving in Congress, he served as Commissioner of Agriculture for the State of Tennessee.

    John graduated from Tennessee Technological University in Cookeville with a bachelor’s degree in agribusiness economics. He went on to complete his Master of Science in agricultural economics at Purdue University and his Juris Doctorate at Vanderbilt University. 

     

  • Todd Asmuth, Strategic Advisor, SHINE Technologies 

    AsmuthTodd joined SHINE as a Board Member in 2013, as President in 2015 and served as Chief Financial Officer from 2018 to 2021. Now that multiple businesses are commercial; he is not transitioning to an advisory role as the company transitions into a growth equity mode.  As President and Chief strategy officer he has guided the strategic execution of SHINE’s vision, while his team facilitates a variety of corporate functions such as Fundraising, Legal, Procurement, Investor Relations and Marketing & Communications. Prior to SHINE, Todd took multiple venture-capital-backed companies from concept to commercialization to profitability using lean startup, customer-focused product development techniques. Todd earned an M.B.A. from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University and a bachelor’s in mechanical engineering from Yale University.

  • Aleshia Duncan, Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Office of International Cooperation

    DuncanAleshia Duncan currently serves as the Deputy Assistant Secretary for International Cooperation in the Office of Nuclear Energy at the U.S. Department of Energy. She also serves as Chair of the International Framework for Nuclear Energy Cooperation (IFNEC). Ms. Duncan has worked in various capacities in the international nuclear energy policy arena, both domestically and abroad, managing bilateral and multilateral relationships on several continents.

    Ms. Duncan has completed two overseas posts. In 2016, she joined the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) in France as the policy adviser to IFNEC, where she coordinated the policies and programs of its 65 member countries and four international organizations, with the common goal of the safe, reliable use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. She continued in that role in 2017, in addition to serving as the Director General’s Senior Advisor for Multilateral Coordination and Secretary of the NEA Steering Committee, until her departure at the end of 2018.

    From October 2010 to December 2013, Ms. Duncan was posted at the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo, Japan, as the Director for Nuclear Operations and served as a diplomat in the capacity of Energy Attaché. During this time, she had the opportunity to liaise regularly with the government of Japan before, during, and after its change in nuclear policies. She was awarded the Secretary’s Honor Award for her efforts in supporting the coordination of the United States' crisis response to Fukushima.

    Ms. Duncan has also been a trailblazer on numerous gender balance and youth empowerment initiatives. This includes serving as Vice-Chair of the NEA’s High-Level Group on Improving the Gender Balance in the Nuclear Sector, co-founding and frequently instructing for the International Atomic Energy Agency’s Lise Meitner Programme, and actively participating in her local DC Women in Nuclear (WiN) Chapter as part of the leadership team.

    Ms. Duncan holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations from Pennsylvania State University and a Master of Arts in Community Counseling from Trinity University in Washington, DC.

  • Cosmin Ghita, CEO, Nuclearelectrica

    GhitaStarting September 2017, Mr. Cosmin Ghita is the CEO of Nuclearelectrica (SNN), the only nuclear energy producer in Romania, which covers approx. 20% of the of the national energy consumption needs. Starting 2019 he is the only Romanian member of the World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO) Main Governing Board.

    As nuclear energy is clean energy, Mr. Ghita’s role as Nuclearelectrica’s CEO is to implement strategy investment projects that support Romania’s energy transition process, its decarbonization targets and energy security. Through its investment projects, Nuclearelectrica will double its capacity after 2031 and the contribution in Romania’s total CO2-free energy production will increase to 66% by 2030.
    Mr. Ghita started his career within Chevron's, Washington, DC office contributing to Chevron’s initiatives in Romania and Eastern Europe.

    During 2015-2017, Mr. Cosmin Ghita was partner in Amerocap, a New York-based energy and natural resource private investment firm, where he supported projects in Romania, Ukraine and Great Britain. Later on, he was appointed Advisor to the Prime Minister of Romania overseeing energy affairs.

    Mr. Ghita was also involved in the establishment of Aspire Academy, a leadership and business summer program led by Harvard and Ivy League Professors in Romania.

    Cosmin Ghita is a graduate of Bates College, Maine, US, with a major in International Political Economy, and also sits on the Board of Trustees of the American International School of Bucharest.

    His fields of expertise include economic strategies, international affairs, energy markets, large investment project development and risk analysis, structuring of market capitalization strategies, international relations and affairs, public-private partnerships, both in the state and private sectors.

    www.nuclearelectrica.ro

  • Brandon O. Gibson, Chief Operating Officer in Governor Bill Lee’s office

    GibsonBrandon O. Gibson is Chief Operating Officer in Governor Bill Lee’s office. In that role, Brandon manages the operations of the State’s twenty-three departments, driving cross-department collaboration to best serve Tennessee’s citizens. Prior to serving as COO, she served as Governor Lee’s Senior Advisor.

    A native of West Tennessee, Brandon graduated from Mississippi State University with a Bachelor of Science degree and Master’s degree in Agribusiness Management. She graduated from Southern Methodist University School of Law in 2000, practiced law in Texas for a year, and felt the pull back to West Tennessee, where she began practicing law in Jackson.  In 2013, Brandon was appointed by then-Governor Bill Haslam to the Tennessee Court of Appeals, where she served for over four years before joining Governor Lee’s cabinet in January 2019. 

    She serves on the Board of Directors of Leadership Tennessee and the Governor’s Early Literacy Foundation.  Brandon’s loves include: self-deprecating humor, connecting people, cheering on her daughter at a rodeo, and firefighting within state government.   

  • Seth Grae, CEO, Lightbridge Corporation

    GraeSeth Grae is CEO of Lightbridge Corporation (NASDAQ: LTBR). He leads Lightbridge’s efforts to develop nuclear fuel technology to improve the safety, economics, and proliferation resistance of existing and new power reactors, including small modular reactors. Lightbridge’s proprietary fuel technology promises to make nuclear power – a reliable source of carbon-free electricity –more competitive.

    Seth is the Chairman of the American Nuclear Society’s International Council, a member of the Civil Nuclear Trade Advisory Committee to the U.S. Secretary of Commerce, a member of the board of directors of the Nuclear Energy Institute, and a member of the World Economic Forum’s Advanced Energy Solutions Community. He is a frequent speaker about nuclear power at international conferences, at universities, and in the media.

    He also led Lightbridge’s advisory roles to governments of countries seeking to start or expand nuclear power programs, from feasibility studies through procurement and operations. Lightbridge developed the United Arab Emirates’ strategic plan for commercial nuclear energy.

    In volunteer roles through NGOs, Seth previously helped advise governments in drafting nuclear export control laws, including China and Belarus.

    He holds a B.A. from Brandeis University, J.D from American University, LL.M in International Law from Georgetown University and an M.B.A from Georgetown Univ

     

  • Michelle Amante-Harstine, CEO, Congressional Energy Engagement, LLC

    HarstineMichelle Amante-Harstine, founder and CEO of Congressional Energy Engagement LLC (CEE), brings over 25 years of experience spanning both the public and private sectors. Her entrepreneurial journey began during her tenure at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Nuclear Energy, where she served as Senior Advisor for Stakeholder Engagement. In this role, Michelle built strategic relationships and introduced innovative initiatives on Capitol Hill.

    As a Senior Fellow for the United States Nuclear Industry Council and a member of the Governor of Tennessee’s board, the Tennessee Nuclear Energy Advisory Council, Michelle plays a key role in shaping nuclear energy policy at both national and state levels.

    Under her leadership, CEE has become a driving force for government engagement programs, promoting clean energy solutions and advancing the nation's leadership in energy. While CEE focuses primarily on nuclear fission and fusion technologies, it also collaborates with other clean energy developers, ensuring an inclusive approach to energy innovation. Michelle’s impact spans across bipartisan Members of Congress, the Administration, C-level industry leaders, and key stakeholders. She is notably recognized for developing the U.S. Congressional Energy Leaders Forum, now the Nuclear Policy Leadership Dinner Discussion series under the American Nuclear Society, showcasing her expertise in coalition building.

    Michelle also works with international entities to foster global partnerships and solutions. A prime example is her creation of the World Nuclear Forum – Excellence Through Global Collaboration – Nation by Nation, an annual event that brings international experts and innovators to the U.S. This event allows those who may not have the opportunity to attend global conferences abroad to engage with world leaders in nuclear energy within the U.S.

    In addition to her leadership in policy and global collaboration, Michelle is dedicated to nurturing future leaders in nuclear energy. She is involved in initiatives like “Navigating Nuclear: Energizing our World” and immersive programs for Oak Ridge National Laboratory and university students. Her work consistently transcends traditional boundaries, fostering cross-sector collaboration and helping clients achieve their strategic goals in clean energy transformation.

    Michelle also collaborates closely with global energy think tanks, universities, and other stakeholders to drive transformative innovation in clean energy. Her efforts support the advancement of U.S. energy leadership, strengthen national security, and promote energy prosperity, all while aligning with the missions of her clients.

    Though her primary work is based in Washington, DC, Michelle stays connected to her home in Tennessee. A sought-after speaker, she shares her expertise on topics such as “How to Work Effectively with the Federal Government - The Importance of Building Authentic Relationships” and “Women, Work, and Legacy.” Michelle Harstine’s legacy is defined by her leadership, strategic communication, and her role in advancing clean energy initiatives, from nuclear to other sustainable energy technologies across the United States.

  • Prof. Jeffrey C. King, Founding Director, Nuclear Engineering at TN Tech

    KingProf. Jeffrey (Jeff) King completed his PhD in Nuclear Engineering in 2006 as a member of the Institute for Space and Nuclear Power Studies at the University of New Mexico. From 2006-2009, he was an Assistant Professor in the Mining and Nuclear Engineering Department at Missouri S&T. In 2009, Prof. King joined the Colorado School of Mines to help establish the Nuclear Science and Engineering Program. During his time at Mines, he served as the Interim Chair of the Nuclear Science and Engineering Program, Director of the Nuclear Science and Engineering Research Center, and President of the Faculty Senate. In 2024, Prof. King joined Tennessee Technological University as the Founding Director of the new Nuclear Engineering Department. His research and teaching interests cover the nuclear fuel cycle, including reactor physics, reactor design, nuclear materials, and public policy issues related to nuclear power, with publications in each of these areas.

    Prof. King is also active in the space nuclear technology field as a charter Member and previous Chair of the American Nuclear Society’s Aerospace Nuclear Science and Technology Division. His space nuclear technology research includes nuclear system launch safety, space nuclear reactor control, space nuclear reactor shielding, and the design and analysis of moderated low-enrichment uranium-fueled space nuclear reactors.

  • Justin Maierhofer, TVA Regional Executive, North Region

    MaierhoferJustin Maierhofer is the Regional Executive of the Tennessee Valley Authority’s North region, which encompasses TVA’s service area in middle Tennessee and Kentucky. In this role, Justin is responsible for developing engagement strategies with local power companies, directly-served industries, public officials, and community non-profit organizations. He leads a team dedicated to providing exceptional service to stakeholders.

    With over 26 years of experience at the intersection of policy, politics, and the energy industry, Justin has spent 22 years at TVA in key leadership roles, including vice president of Government Relations and Chief of Staff for three TVA CEOs.

    Early in his career, Maierhofer worked in both the executive and legislative branches of government, serving as a legislative liaison for the U.S. Department of Energy and as staff for the late U.S. Senator Paul Coverdell of Georgia. He joined TVA’s Washington office in June 2002.

    A proud native of Carrollton, Georgia, Justin earned a bachelor’s degree in history from Florida State University and a master’s degree in political management from George Washington University. He and his wife, Kelley, are the proud parents of three teenagers, Carson, Sadie, and Thomas, and they live in Brentwood, Tennessee.

  • Jay Mullis, Manager, DOE Oak Ridge Office of Environmental Management

    MullisJohn Arthur (Jay) Mullis II serves as the Manager of the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Oak Ridge Office of Environmental Management (OREM). He has held this post from November 2017 until November 2021 and again from January 2023 until the present. 

    As the OREM Manager, he is responsible for overseeing the environmental cleanup mission across the 30,000-acre Oak Ridge Reservation, which includes the Y-12 National Security Complex, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and East Tennessee Technology Park. During his tenure in this post, he is proud that his federal and contractor team delivered the completion of all facility decontamination and demolition at the East Tennessee Technology Park four years ahead of schedule and well under budget. 

    From November 2021 until January 2023, Mullis served as the acting Associate Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Regulatory and Policy Affairs (EM-4) for DOE’s Office of Environmental Management. In this role, he provided day-to-day oversight and management of the EM regulatory and policy affairs operations including infrastructure; deactivation and demolition; soil and groundwater remediation; tank closures; waste disposal; packaging & transportation; and regulatory, intergovernmental, and stakeholder affairs.

    Mullis holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from The Citadel, the Military College of South Carolina, and he is a licensed Professional Engineer in the State of South Carolina. He completed extensive training and was qualified as a Nuclear Engineer while working for the Navy at the Charleston Naval Shipyard and was a fully certified Facility Representative for the DOE.

    Mullis has more than 30 years of federal service. His experience consists of approximately nine years working in the Naval Nuclear Propulsion program at Charleston Naval Shipyard with the balance of his service working for the DOE in various assignments related to environmental restoration, decontamination and decommissioning, and waste management activities.  

     

  • Dr. Phil Oldham, President, Tennessee Tech University

    Oldham

  • David Owenby, Senior Advisor, TDEC Commissioner’s Office

    OwenbyDavid Owenby serves as Senior Advisor for TDEC Commissioner David Salyers, providing intergovernmental coordination, project management, and communication support for the Commissioner’s Office. This includes assisting Commissioner Salyers in his role as chairman of the TN Nuclear Energy Advisory Council. David also acts as TDEC’s primary liaison to the Department of Economic & Community Development (ECD), coordinating TDEC assistance for ECD business development activities and facilitating related work.

    David has 25 years of experience in administrative services for both public and private sector firms, including 21 years in Tennessee State Government. Over the past decade, he has held various senior leadership roles at TDEC, including in Administrative Services, External Affairs, and Public Affairs. He leverages his extensive knowledge of TDEC and state government to help the department operate as efficiently and effectively as possible.

    Before joining TDEC, David held senior management positions at hospitals and health systems in Knoxville and Cookeville. A native of Sevier County who grew up in Middle Tennessee, David received a B.S. with Honors from Samford University, studied on a Rotary Fellowship at the University of Ottawa in Canada, and earned a Master’s in Health Services Administration from the University of Alabama Birmingham. He is also a 2004 graduate of the Tennessee Government Executive Institute.

  • Jean-Luc Palayer, President and Chief Executive Officer, Orano USA

    PalayerJean-Luc Palayer is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Orano USA, overseeing Orano’s operations in the United States, which provide commercial and federal customers with global expertise in nuclear materials management. He manages all five of Orano's business units in the U.S., including MCES for uranium fuel, conversion, and enrichment services; Orano Decommissioning Services for dismantling nuclear facilities; TN Americas, which offers a full range of used nuclear fuel management services; Orano Med, focused on developing medical isotopes for targeted immunotherapy to fight cancer; and Orano Federal Services, which supports advanced reactor development and offers engineering and technology solutions for complex nuclear material processing and packaging for the U.S. Department of Energy. He also leads the Uranium Enrichment Facility (IKE) project in Oak Ridge, Tennessee.

    With more than 20 years in the nuclear industry, Jean-Luc has international leadership experience in nuclear materials transportation and storage, front-end material production, supply chain optimization, and industrial project development across the United States, Europe, and Asia.

    Jean-Luc began his career in 1999 with COGEMA (now part of Orano). In 2007, he was named Director of Business Analysis for AREVA Enrichment Services. In 2012, he served as Managing Director of AREVA Solar India and Vice President of Operations for AREVA Solar Inc., leading construction projects in the U.S. and India. In 2015, he joined TN Americas (Orano TN) as Vice President of Global Supply Chain and later became Chief Operating Officer, overseeing the project management organization, nuclear manufacturing plants, and field service business line.

    Jean-Luc holds a Master of Engineering degree from École des Mines and an Executive MBA from Georgetown University.

  • Dr. Per Peterson, Co-Founder and Chief Nuclear Officer, Kairos Power

    PetersonDr. Per Peterson is a Co-Founder and Chief Nuclear Officer of Kairos Power. He also holds the William and Jean McCallum Floyd Chair in the Department of Nuclear Engineering at the University of California, Berkeley. Dr. Peterson is an expert in high-temperature fission energy systems, nuclear materials safety and security, and waste management. He played a key role in developing the Gen IV Roadmap as a member of the Evaluation Methodology Group and co-chair of the Proliferation Resistance and Physical Protection Working Group.

    His research has significantly contributed to the development of passive safety systems used in the General Electric ESBWR and Westinghouse AP1000 reactor designs. In 2003, alongside Charles Forsberg and Paul Pickard, Dr. Peterson proposed the FHR concept, a molten-salt-cooled, solid-fueled reactor.

    Dr. Peterson earned his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Nevada, Reno, and holds both an M.S. and Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley.

  • Craig Piercy, CEO and Executive Director of the American Nuclear Society (ANS)

    PiercyCraig Piercy is the CEO and Executive Director of the American Nuclear Society (ANS), where he leads a community of over 10,000 nuclear professionals dedicated to advancing nuclear sciences and technologies for peaceful uses. Since becoming ANS's first CEO in 2019, Craig has restructured the organization, launched the 24/7 NuclearNews site, established offices in Washington D.C. and Illinois, and created a Rapid Response Task Force to address media inquiries. These efforts have strengthened ANS’s ability to unite nuclear experts, influence federal and state policy, and expand access to nuclear science education.

    In 2024, Craig was named one of “Washington DC’s 500 Most Influential People” by Washingtonian Magazine. Before joining ANS, he led the Washington Office of Bose Public Affairs Group and spent 8 years working on Capitol Hill. Craig holds a degree in Government and Politics from the University of Maryland and lives in Bethesda, Maryland.

  • Ken Rueter, President and CEO, UCOR 

    Rueter

  • Terry Saltsman, Chief Government Affairs Officer, Tennessee Tech University

    Saltsman

  • Dr. Balendra Sutharshan, Deputy for Lab Operations, Oak Ridge National Laboratory

    SutharshanChief Operations Officer Dr. Balendra Sutharshan coordinates overall operations and support functions at ORNL: facilities operations; environment, safety, and health; business operations; security; human resources; communications; and technology transfer. In concert with the Deputy Director of Science and Technology, Sutharshan supports the Laboratory Director in the planning, integration, and execution of Laboratory-level initiatives as ORNL’s chief operating officer. He also holds the position of executive vice president, operations, for UT-Battelle LLC.

    Sutharshan joined ORNL in 2021 as the associate laboratory director of the Isotope Science and Engineering Directorate (ISED). In this position, he led the organization responsible for delivering high-impact isotopes, advancing the nation’s enrichment technology, and operating the unique facilities that make up ORNL's isotopes and nuclear materials complex.

    Sutharshan came to ORNL from Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, where he served as deputy associate laboratory director and chief operations officer for the Operational Systems Directorate. In that role, he provided leadership in the areas of capability stewardship and programmatic execution, including integrating all support functions with each research and development organization.

    Previously, he was responsible for strategic and tactical operations for Argonne National Laboratory’s Energy and Global Security Directorate as its chief operations officer. Before that, he spent 18 years at Westinghouse Electric Co., holding several engineering and leadership positions, with responsibilities that included negotiating and executing partnerships across Asia and implementing innovative new plant design engineering in the United States and China.

    Sutharshan holds a doctoral degree in nuclear engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology; a master of business administration from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute; and a master of science degree in chemical and nuclear engineering from the University of Toronto, from which he also holds a bachelor of science in chemical engineering. In addition, he completed executive leadership development and management training from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business. He is a Six Sigma Academy Certified Master Black Belt.

  • Jeffrey (Jeff) Whitt, President, Framatome US Government Solutions LLC

    WhittJeff Whitt is the President of Framatome U.S. Government Solutions LLC and leads Customer & Stakeholder Affairs for Framatome North America. In this role, he oversees engagement with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and U.S. National Laboratories, while driving North America's strategic alignment and customer-focused culture. He supports the company’s growth objectives with a particular focus on developing the advanced reactor business to contribute to the nation’s clean energy future.

    With over 30 years of experience in nuclear energy, Jeff has held various roles in fuel fabrication, design, and technical management, earning patents related to nuclear fuel fabrication. As part of Framatome’s U.S. Fuel team, Jeff led strategic business development, positioning the company as a leader in the Accident-Tolerant Fuel program. His strategic relationships have been crucial in promoting Framatome as a key partner in the future of U.S. nuclear energy. He also successfully implemented a growth plan for Framatome’s government-related business and developed strategies to advance the company's role in the advanced reactors market.

    In addition to his nuclear industry expertise, Jeff broadened his experience by supporting the deployment of cellular technology and founding a program-management firm focused on the implementation and certification of digital 911 systems.

    Jeff began his career as a journeyman machinist apprentice and holds a business degree from Averett University. He serves as vice chairman of the VERTical Board in Washington state and chairman of the Virginia Innovative Nuclear Hub. He is also a member of the Virginia Nuclear Energy Consortium, the Texas A&M Nuclear Engineering Advisory Council, and participates in working groups for the Nuclear Energy Institute and the U.S. Nuclear Industry Council. Additionally, Jeff represents Framatome on the U.S. International Trade Association Working Group for Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).

    Jeff resides in the Forest, Virginia, area and enjoys spending time with his family at Smith Mountain Lake.

Additional Confirmed Speakers

Bios coming soon:

  • Dr. Phil Oldham, President, Tennessee Technological University

 

Hotel Information

Property Price Reservations Address Block Rate Ends Oct. 15th Event Parking Directions
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott  $109 Link 1200 Sams St, Cookeville, TN 38506 Sept. 23 Google Map
TownePlace Suites  $119 Link 1250 Sams St, Cookeville, TN 38506 Sept. 23 Google Map
Candlewood Suites $94 Link 1161 S Jefferson Ave, Cookeville, TN 38506 UPDATED: Oct. 7 Google Map
Home2 Suites by Hilton  $163 Link 970 S Jefferson Ave, Cookeville, TN 38501 Oct. 4 Google Map
Holiday Inn $96 Link 1091 South Willow Avenue, Cookeville, TN, US Oct. 4 Google Map

 

Airport Information

Nashville International Airport (BNA)
Miles to TTU: 73 miles away 
1 hour 10 min drive

Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (CHA)
Miles to TTU: 99.3 miles away
1 hour 49 min drive

McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS)
Miles to TTU: 105 miles away
1 hour 39 min drive

 

Event Parking 

Event Parking Address: 350 University Drive, Cookeville, TN 38505
Google Maps Link: Click here for directions

Upon arriving at the address, please follow the event signage for the World Nuclear Forum, which will guide you to the designated parking areas. A shuttle service will be available from the parking lot, providing direct access to the event venue. Look for additional signage indicating shuttle pick-up points.

For a detailed view of Tennessee Technological University's campus and the event location, refer to the campus map provided here. We recommend arriving early to ensure a smooth parking, shuttle, and check-in process.

 

Wi-Fi Access

Please read instructions here: https://services.tntech.edu/TDClient/1878/Portal/KB/ArticleDet?ID=111833

 

Dress Code

Business professional.

 

Contact Information

Michelle  Amante-Harstine, CEO
CONGRESSIONAL ENERGY ENGAGEMENT, LLC
Congressional Energy Engagement Foundation 501(C)(3)
www.congressionalenergyengagement.com
423.421.2825
mmharstine@gmail.com

 

 

 

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