Workshop at POWERGEN International to identify solutions aimed at modernizing the energy workforce

Attending POWERGEN International but getting to New Orleans a day early? Or perhaps you want to help shape the future energy workforce? Do you want to be an influential voice in developing recommendations on diversity, equity and inclusion in the energy sector?

All of the above are great reasons to attend “Accelerating the Energy Workforce Development Workshop,” hosted by POWERGEN and the U.S. Women in Nuclear (WIN).

The workshop, held Jan. 22 from 12:00 – 5:00 pm at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, will engage attendees in the generation of a Workforce Development report, which will offer recommendations on developing a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workforce as energy industries gear up for rapid expansion. Workshop attendees will be listed as co-authors on the report.

The event will begin with a presentation that provides an overview of gaps and needs in the current energy workforce. This will be followed by a moderated panel discussion featuring utility, trade union, academia and national laboratory representation. This diverse panel will share perspectives and experiences, providing a well-rounded view of workforce dynamics within the energy sector.

Participants will then engage in interactive breakout sessions, collaborating to brainstorm and workshop ideas. The goal is to formulate actionable plans that address the identified gaps and needs, focusing on fostering diversity, equality and inclusivity within the workforce. The ideas from this workshop will feed into a report that will be issued later this year via Power Engineering and U.S. WIN.

This solutions-focused workshop is open to a broad spectrum of industry professionals, including operators, human resources representatives, managers, directors and anyone with a vested interest in workforce development within the energy sector. REGISTER TODAY

Panelists include:

Kimberly Cook-Nelson, Executive Vice President of Nuclear Operations & Chief Nuclear Officer of Entergy:

Kimberly Cook-Nelson is executive vice president of nuclear operations and chief nuclear officer of Entergy, where she is responsible for the safe, secure and reliable operations of Entergy’s four nuclear power plants and five reactors located in Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi.

Prior to her current role, she served as chief operating officer, nuclear operations and as Entergy’s vice president, system planning and operations. In Kimberly’s 27 years with Entergy, she has held roles in the headquarters office as well as various leadership positions of increasing responsibility in her 18 years at Waterford 3 nuclear station.

Erin Hultman, Vice President, Member and Corporate Services; Chief Financial Officer:

Erin Hultman is the Vice President of Member and Corporate Services and Chief Financial Officer of Nuclear Energy Institute where she is responsible for financial and investment functions as well as workforce development and corporate operations. She also serves as Treasurer for NEI and Nuclear Matters.

Erin has over 30 years of experience assisting non-profit organizations align their resource allocation to the mission. She is a tax-exempt specialist responsible for financial strategy, business development, and regulatory compliance.

Kára M. Temple, Board of Directors at Allied Power, MBA, Former Miss USA:

Kara recently received her MBA from Louisiana State University. Prior to enrolling in her MBA program, for approximately 7 years Kara served as a Reactor Engineer for the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission. She focused on emergency preparedness for decommissioning and licensing radioisotope production facilities, ISFISIS, and small modular reactors initial design approval.

Sarah Dankanich, Supply Chain Manager, Cost Estimating at X-energy:

Sarah Dankanich is the Cost Estimating Manager for X-energy’s Supply Chain, leading the Cost Estimating organization to compile industry pricing for clients in preparation for the deployment of the Xe-100, X-energy’s first Small Modular Reactor.  She holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration, and Previous to this role spent ten years at GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy supporting the Supply Chain in strategic contract negotiation and procurement, as well as supporting the Commercial Operations division working directly with the nuclear utilities.

Pre-registration is mandatory for the workshop, and attendees are encouraged to visit the registration resource center or contact info@powergen.com for details, including any applicable fees.

To participate, there is a registration fee of $100. Secure your spot today to be part of this transformative event!

Originally published in Power Engineering.