Extensive and in-depth understanding of NRC and IAEA regulations and guidance, technical issues, policy matters, and their implementation for both existing nuclear power reactors and small modular reactors (SMRs). More than 32 years of experience conducting NRC and IAEA regulatory programs in positions that included inspection, project management, and supervisory executive functions in nuclear power plant licensing and oversight. Areas of expertise in nuclear power reactors include:
- Licensing of SMRs and Advanced Reactors
- Policy and technical issues related to new reactor technologies
- Managing the IAEA SMR Regulators’ Forum
- Conducting training on IAEA safety standards
- Implementing the NRC enforcement program
- Safety culture for licensees and regulators
Senior consultant participating in the development and delivery of briefings on licensing SMRs for regulatory authorities and other stakeholders.
Senior project manager responsible for coordinating interactions between NRC staff and advanced, non-light water reactor designers, the U.S. Department of Energy, and the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD). Provided advice on resolving policy and technical issues related to licensing advanced, non-light water reactors. Led a team of project managers for the pre-application interactions between the NRC staff and an advanced reactor company developing a fluoride salt-cooled high-temperature reactor. Served as the NRC lead for interactions with DoD for their mobile reactor project (Project Pele). Provided advice to the DoD and their contractors on NRC licensing processes and regulations. Also facilitated discussions between technical and legal experts within the NRC on issues associated with potentially licensing a commercial mobile reactor.
Senior nuclear safety officer responsible for founding and facilitating the SMR Regulators’ Forum, an international forum of nuclear safety regulators that meets to discuss key safety and licensing issues for SMRs. Conducted several training sessions for countries embarking on a nuclear power program on developing an appropriate nuclear safety infrastructure. Several of these sessions were focused on the opportunities and challenges provided by SMRs. Helped organize and conduct a Coordinated Research Project on calculating the appropriate emergency planning zone size for SMRs. Contributed to the development of a document on a case study for transportable factory fueled SMRs. Also participated in several Integrated Regulatory Review Service missions.
Held supervisory positions in the New Reactors Office (NRO), the Office of Enforcement (OE), and the Office of Nuclear Materials Safety and Safeguards (NMSS). Prior to these positions, held positions as a senior project manager and inspector.
As the chief of the SMR Licensing Branch in NRO from 2009-2015, led a team of 10-15 project managers that identified and proposed solutions to policy and technical issues associated with licensing small modular and advanced reactors in the United States. In this role, supervised the pre-application interactions with several companies developing light-water SMRs, directed the development of several policy papers for the NRC Commission on the appropriate regulatory framework for SMRs, and led the development of risk-informed design-specific review standards for two SMR designs.
As the Deputy Director of OE from 2007-2009, oversaw the implementation of the NRC’s enforcement program by an office of 25 technical and legal staff. Ran the daily operations of the office and oversaw the development of the annual budget and staffing plan. Participated in routine discussions of enforcement actions and conducted enforcement conferences and alternate dispute resolution meetings. Managed the development of the USNRC Safety Culture Policy Statement. Oversaw the NRC’s differing professional opinion and non-concurrence processes.
As the chief of the Mixed Oxide (plutonium/uranium nuclear fuel) Licensing Branch in NMSS from 2004-2007, led a team of 10-12 project managers and technical staff that conducted the initial licensing review of the application for a mixed oxide fuel fabrication facility at the Savannah River National Laboratory.
Senior mechanical design engineer on defense-related projects.
Nuclear submarine officer qualified in submarines and the operation of naval nuclear power plants.
Numerous Performance Awards from the NRC
Member of the American Nuclear Society’s Risk-Informed, Performance-based Principles and Policy Committee
B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Cornell University, 1980
Master of Business Administration, Johns Hopkins University, 2006