USNIC Advanced Reactors Nuclear Workshop
In advance of
The Advanced Reactors Summit XIII &
Technology Trailblazers Showcase
Under the auspices of the
U.S. Nuclear Industry Council
February 10, 2026
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Seattle Marriott Waterfront
2100 Alaskan Way
Seattle, WA 98121
Separate Registration Required
In conjunction with Advanced Reactors Summit XIII & the Technology Trailblazers Showcase, the Advanced Reactors Supply Chain Workshop will take place on Tuesday afternoon, February 10, 2026, in Seattle, WA, at the Seattle Marriott Waterfront (the same venue as ARS XIII).
The workshop will focus on building robust supply chains to support the rapid deployment of reliable advanced nuclear reactors—with a practical emphasis on what it takes to move from first units to repeatable, fleet-scale manufacturing.
Panels will feature advanced reactor developers and key suppliers and will address critical topics including module manufacturing (mechanical, electrical, and structural); long-lead-time components (e.g., vessels, forgings, turbines, transformers); specialty components and materials (including advanced I&C needs, specialty steels, and nuclear graphite); and the strategic use of industrial, non-nuclear components for balance-of-plant. Discussions will also cover supplier decisions around capacity expansion and financing, the reality of competition among SMR developers for shared suppliers, and strategies for qualifying and managing large, complex supplier networks—including approaches to minimizing NQA-1 burdens, controlling design changes, and structuring supplier contracts to manage schedule and quality risk.
The program will set the stage with takeaways from recent supply chain reports and analyses, and will conclude with a wrap-up focused on next steps to accelerate supplier readiness and manufacturing scale.
Please Note:
Separate registration is required for the 2026 Advanced Reactors Nuclear Workshop and the AR Summit XIII.
Registering for one event does NOT include access to the other.
Advanced Agenda Topics
I. SETTING THE STAGE: SUPPLY CHAIN READINESS & LATEST ANALYSES
Review of recent supply chain reports and assessments impacting advanced nuclear deployment (including perspectives from the national labs), with a focus on where the biggest constraints are emerging as projects move from development to execution and what “ready to build” looks like for suppliers and manufacturers supporting first units and fleet-scale rollouts. The discussion will also highlight cross-sector lessons, including fusion supply chain insights.
II. NUCLEAR DEVELOPERS’ PERSPECTIVES ON SCALING MANUFACTURING & PROCUREMENT
Panel discussion with advanced reactor developers on what is required beyond project finance to enable repeatable deployment at scale—especially the timing and planning for module manufacturing (mechanical, electrical, and structural), what level of committed orders is needed to justify module manufacturing facilities, and how developers approach early commitments for long-lead-time components (e.g., vessels, forgings, turbines, transformers). The discussion will also cover strategies to minimize and manage design changes, contract structures and supplier incentives, and how developers qualify and oversee large supplier networks (including the level of oversight required, when, and by whom).
III. SPECIALTY COMPONENTS, MATERIALS, AND QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
How developers and suppliers are navigating specialty components and materials needs for advanced reactor systems—such as advanced instrumentation and controls requirements, specialty steels, nuclear graphite, forgings, and other unique materials—along with the role of government and national laboratories in testing, qualification, and de-risking. The session will address approaches to minimizing the number of items that must be manufactured under NQA-1, and how qualification requirements can be planned early to avoid downstream schedule risk.
IV. USE OF INDUSTRIAL, NON-NUCLEAR COMPONENTS FOR DEPLOYMENT AT SCALE
Discussion of where industrial, non-nuclear components can be used effectively—particularly for balance-of-plant (e.g., high-pressure piping and pumps)—and what is required to integrate them successfully, including simulation, controls, and supply chain management. The goal is to identify practical opportunities to reduce cost and complexity while maintaining performance, quality, and schedule certainty.
V. SUPPLIERS’ & VENDORS’ PERSPECTIVES: CAPACITY EXPANSION, FINANCING, AND CONTRACTING REALITIES
Panel of current and prospective suppliers addressing how they make capacity expansion decisions amid uncertain demand signals—particularly when SMR developers keep projected unit volumes confidential—and what “bankable” commitments are needed to justify new facilities, tooling, and workforce growth. Topics will include how suppliers finance expansions (including the role of guarantees and risk-sharing), how contract terms allocate schedule/quality risk and reward, and how suppliers manage competing demand from multiple SMR programs while also supporting upgrades and maintenance for the existing large reactor fleet.
VI. COMPETITION FOR SHARED SUPPLIERS & STRATEGIES FOR MANAGING COMPLEX SUPPLIER NETWORKS
How the industry can address the reality of multiple nuclear developers competing for a limited set of qualified suppliers, and what practical steps can help prevent supply chain bottlenecks as deployment accelerates. The discussion will focus on approaches to supplier qualification and performance management, coordination challenges across many tiers of vendors, and strategies for organizing and overseeing large, complex supplier networks to improve predictability and execution.
VII. CROSS-CUTTING PERSPECTIVES & NEXT STEPS
Additional stakeholder perspectives and open discussion on key takeaways, including lessons from adjacent sectors (such as oil & gas and fusion energy supply chains), the most urgent actions needed to expand supplier readiness, and near-term next steps to accelerate advanced reactor deployment through stronger manufacturing capacity, clearer demand signals, and improved contracting and financing structures.
Confirmed Speakers To Date
Jonathan Barr
Nuclear Segment Leader
Flowserve
Jonathan Barr is Flowserve’s Nuclear Segment Leader, responsible for advancing the company’s flow control technologies, solutions, and services supporting the global expansion of nuclear energy. He leads Flowserve’s nuclear strategy and develops commercial partnerships across the global nuclear power industry, driving growth through plant life extension, power uprates, reactor restarts, and new reactor deployment, including large reactors and small modular reactors. Jonathan brings two decades of experience in nuclear energy across technology, economics, strategy, and policy. He previously served as the White House Assistant Director for Nuclear Energy in the Biden Administration, where he led domestic nuclear energy policy efforts and was lead author of the first-of-its-kind U.S. strategy for safely and responsibly expanding nuclear energy. Prior to this role, Jonathan spent over 17 years in positions of increasing responsibility at the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, including Executive Technical Assistant to the Executive Director for Operations, where he led high-visibility initiatives related to nuclear power safety, licensing, economics, and policy. Jonathan holds a bachelor’s degree from Northwestern University and a master’s degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, both in materials science and engineering, as well as an MBA from the University of Maryland.
Tighe Smith
Chief Nuclear Officer & SVP
Mirion
Tighe leads nuclear energy strategy for Mirion and Paragon. He has spent the last 20+ years working in various roles in the nuclear power industry. His broad experience includes nuclear business leadership, instrumentation and control (I&C) system development for commercial nuclear plants, research reactors and advanced reactors, and specialty nuclear sensor development. Tighe is a participating member of the American Nuclear Society’s Nuclear Policy Leadership team, briefing members of Congress monthly on issues of interest to the U.S. nuclear industry. He earned a B.S. in Nuclear Engineering and an MBA from the University of Tennessee.
Bob Terry
Vice President, Supply Chain
TerraPower
Bob Terry joined TerraPower, LLC in Dec. 2025 as Vice President of Supply Chain. His career has been entirely managing global nuclear projects in USA, Korea and France as a senior leader in both Supply Chain Management and Project Management with Westinghouse Electric Company, ABB Combustion Engineering and Framatome, Inc. As Global Director of Sourcing & Supplier Management for Westinghouse’s AP1000 for 10 years, Bob led teams responsible for supplier development, sourcing, supplier project management and delivery of the full scope for 8 Units of AP1000 nuclear plant equipment in the USA and China. Prior to his AP1000 role, Bob served for many years as Project Director of Korean Nuclear Projects leading project teams successfully delivering 14 new build Units in support of Korea Electric’s standard plant nuclear program from the beginning. After completing AP1000 Bob was Program Director for Westinghouse Accident Tolerant Fuel development with the US Department of Energy working closely with many US National Labs and suppliers. At Framatome, Inc. Bob led I&C System upgrades projects for US operating plants and Idaho National Labs. Bob has a BS in Nuclear Engineering from SUNY Maritime College in New York and is a Boston University Certified Project Manager.
Dave McCormack
CEO
Clean Energy Supplier Alliance
Dave McCormack is CEO of the Clean Energy Supplier Alliance, an industry-led nonprofit based in Tri Cities Washington. The Alliance was formed in 2022 by VERTical Innovation Cluster and the Tri Cities Local Business Association (TCLBA), bringing together business and labor to address supply chain gaps, create competitive solutions and foster innovation. The Alliance’s mission is to accelerate and economize the fleet-scale deployment of next-generation nuclear energy technologies to maintain national energy security. Dave has 50 years technical, management and executive experience in developing business and providing services to government and commercial clients. He has held diverse leadership positions with Battelle, Foster Wheeler Environmental, CH2M Hill, and Dade Moeller & Associates where he was President. He is a 30-year resident of the Tri Cities and has been an active member of TCLBA for 15 years, including the position of Executive Director since 2019. McCormack began his career as a Nuclear Power Plant systems engineer with Stone & Webster Engineering after receiving his Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering from Oregon State University in 1974.
Edwin Terres
Director, APX Supply Chain Commercial Operations
Westinghouse Electric Company
Mr. Edwin D. Terres, Jr is currently the Director, APX Supply Chain Commercial Operations where he manages a team responsible for supplier development, sourcing, negotiation, contracts issue and commercial contracts administration for all components required for APX projects. Prior to his current role, Ed served as Director of Nuclear Procurement providing leadership for all purchasing, expediting, logistics, shop expediting, shop quality inspection, and field materials management activities for the concurrently executed Vogtle 2 x 1000 MW and VC Summer 2 x1000MW New Build Nuclear Power Projects. Ed is an experienced procurement professional with over 43 years of experience in the power plant construction industry with a career focus on the execution of large coal, natural gas, and nuclear EPC projects. Ed has travelled to and lived in international project locations including Puerto Rico and Indonesia. Prior to joining Westinghouse, he worked for CB&I/Shaw, Duke/Fluor Daniel, and Duke Energy. Ed holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering from North Carolina State University and a Master of Business Administration Degree from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.
Gary Wolski
Vice President, Nuclear
Curtiss-Wright
Gary Wolski has been with Curtiss-Wright for the past thirty years, working in the Nuclear Division in positions in Sales, Marketing and Management. Gary was recently promoted to VP, Nuclear at Curtiss-Wright Corporation to ensure alignment and successful growth and execution for Curtiss-Wright’s nuclear businesses. He served in the U.S. Navy’s nuclear power program, supported the U.S. Department of Energy’s mission at Hanford in nuclear power operations and maintenance engineering, and was a contractor supporting civil nuclear power plant outages. Gary served six two-year charters on the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Civil Nuclear Trade Advisory Committee (CINTAC) where he previously served as Chair, Vice Chair, and Subcommittee Chair twice. He recently stepped down as Chair of the Nuclear Energy Institute’s (NEI) Supplier Advisory Committee and is a past chair of NEI’s Trade Advocacy Subcommittee. Has BS in Engineering Management and a MBA in Managerial Leadership.
Dr. Keyes Niemer
Senior Vice President, Global Nuclear
Worley
Dr. Niemer leads Worley’s Global Nuclear business. He brings over 35 years of nuclear industry experience in leadership, project management, engineering and technology development, construction, equipment design and fabrication, and licensing/safety analysis for several First-of-a-Kind (FOAK) multi-billion dollar Engineering Construction Procurement (EPC) mega nuclear projects, as well as commercialization of several SMR technologies. Keyes has successfully worked in the commercial and government segments of nuclear industry including national laboratories, utilities, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), architect/engineers (AEs), and construction firms throughout the full nuclear lifecyle. Prior to Worley, he was the SMR Project Manager at Canadian Nuclear Laboratories. He has a Ph.D. in nuclear engineering and an MBA.
Troy Mabe
Project Director, Energy Northwest / Amazon Initiative Project
X-energy
Troy Mabe is Director of Supply Chain, X-energy & Project Director, Energy Northwest/Amazon initiative. He has extensive experience driving operational excellence across Global Supply Chain including logistics, procurement, distribution, and real estate construction. With a strategic approach to operational optimization, Troy has delivered significant cost reductions while enhancing service performance across multiple industries on a global basis. Throughout his career organizations including Tronox, Hexcel Corporation, Reckitt Benckiser, and Giant Food of Maryland, Troy has built a reputation for implementing innovative systems that drive efficiency improvements. Troy holds a bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Corporate Communications from the University of Maryland. His professional credentials include Six Sigma Green Belt and Project Management Professional (PMP) certifications, and he has specialized expertise in international trade compliance.
Bob Nussmeier
Vice President of Strategic Clients
Baker Construction
Bob Nussmeier is the Vice President of Strategic Clients at Baker Construction, the largest nuclear concrete construction company in the United States. Based in Houston, TX, and Denver, CO, Bob supports Baker’s strategic clients nationwide. Bob advances Baker’s mission to drive innovation in clean nuclear power generation, energy transition, and LNG projects across the country. With more than 32 years of experience in industrial and nuclear construction, Bob is a seasoned leader in executive-level relationship management. His expertise encompasses a wide range of complex projects, including LNG terminals, petrochemical plants, nuclear power facilities, clean energy initiatives, and carbon reduction strategies through advanced concrete technologies and innovative containment designs that optimize cost and schedule performance. Bob earned a bachelor’s degree in Construction Management from Purdue University. He previously served on the executive committee of the Construction Industry Institute (CII) Board of Advisors, where he chaired the Strategic Planning Committee.
Spencer Toohill
Nuclear Energy Innovation
The Breakthrough Institute
Spencer Toohill is the Chief of Staff for Nuclear Energy Innovation at The Breakthrough Institute, where she supports strategic coordination across research, policy development, government affairs, and stakeholder engagement. In this role, she works across technical, economic, and policy domains to help identify and address barriers to nuclear energy deployment. Spencer’s work bridges technical research and public policy, with a focus on translating analysis into actionable insights for policymakers, regulators, and external partners. She also supports government affairs efforts related to nuclear energy innovation and deployment, helping advance durable, long-term policy solutions. Spencer holds a Master’s in International Policy from the University of Georgia, where she focused on energy and nuclear security and completed a capstone on nuclear cooperation agreements. She earned her bachelor’s degree in International Affairs also from the University of Georgia.
Chris Lohse
Innovation & Technology Manager
GAIN
Chris Lohse is the innovation and technology manager for GAIN (Gateway for Accelerated Innovation in Nuclear). He serves as the main interface between the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Laboratories and the advanced reactor vendors. Chris is also the primary contact for the GAIN Nuclear Energy Voucher Program. Through the Voucher Program, private companies can gain access to specialized National Laboratory capabilities to accelerate commercialization of new technologies. Prior to working for GAIN, Chris was a consultant in the commercial nuclear industry for more than 14 years. He served as the director for a team of engineers that addressed material aging issues and long-term operational assessments in support of license renewal applications to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. As a consultant, he brought new approaches to solving problems such that the nuclear fleet could remain competitive in the power generation market. Chris holds both an M.S. in mechanical engineering and a B.S. in mechanical and materials science and engineering from the University of California at Davis.
Iftikhar Haque
Vice President, Nuclear Supply Chain
Terrestrial Energy
Mr. Iftikhar Haque is a global supply chain leader with over 30 years of experience in the energy sector, including 20 years in the nuclear energy industry. He joined Terrestrial Energy in 2019, where he leads all nuclear procurement, strategic sourcing, and supplier relationship activities, and also serves as a member of the Business Development team. Prior to joining Terrestrial Energy, Iftikhar served as Vice President of Nuclear Supply Chain, Quality, and Planning at Ontario Power Generation (OPG), supporting the Pickering and Darlington nuclear generating stations. In this role, he led the nuclear supply chain organizations responsible for plant operations as well as the Darlington Refurbishment Project. Iftikhar spent 10 years with Siemens Energy as Vice President of Supply Chain and Procurement. He began his career with Siemens Canada in 1998 and later completed two expatriate assignments in the Middle East, gaining extensive international leadership experience. Iftikhar holds a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin. He also earned a Diploma in Advanced Management from Duke University and a Diploma in Finance and Controlling from Siemens Learning. In addition, he serves on the Board of Directors of the Organization of Canadian Nuclear Industries (OCNI).
Ryan Andrus
Manager, Supply Chain Development & Manufacturing
NuScale Power
Ryan Andrus is a Supply Chain Development and Manufacturing Manager at NuScale Power, where he leads manufacturing readiness initiatives for Instrumentation and Control (I&C) systems, as well as Refueling and Remote Handling equipment. With 20 years of experience in the nuclear sector, he has delivered numerous large-scale, safety-related I&C systems for both new plant and operating plant deployments. Ryan has held progressive roles spanning engineering, project management, manufacturing operations, and supply chain management. Prior to joining NuScale, he spent 14 years at Westinghouse Electric Company, where he successfully delivered I&C systems to customers in the United States, South Korea, the United Arab Emirates, and China. Ryan holds a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering from The Pennsylvania State University and a Master’s degree in Industrial Engineering from the University of Pittsburgh.
Tim Williamson
Vice President, Nuclear
NOV
Tim Williamson is Vice President, Nuclear at NOV, a supplier to the global energy industry, including for oilfield operations. He was Director of Regulatory and Public Affairs at Shepherd Power, and previously had been with NOV for over 10 years as Program Manager, Plant General Manager, Director of Data Governance, and Senior Director for Enterprise Data Architecture & Governance. Tim was a Submarine Warfare Officer in the Navy for over 20 years. He has a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Rice University, and a Masters of Business Administration from the Naval Postgraduate School.
Hon. Jeff Merrifield
Chairman, USNIC;
Partner, Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman, LLC
Jeffrey Merrifield is a partner in the Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP’s energy practice. Mr. Merrifield was appointed by President Clinton and reappointed by President Bush to serve on the five-member, Senate-confirmed, independent United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission. During his tenure, which was from October 1998 to June 2002 and from August 2002 to June 2007, the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission had a staff of 3,250 employees with a budget of $900 million and set all policies and rules that govern the safe and secure use of nuclear materials at the 104 U.S. nuclear power plants operating at that time. Prior to joining Pillsbury, Mr. Merrifield served as President of The Merrifield Group, LLC where he provided energy and environmental consulting, advocacy and strategic advice for companies, organizations and individuals. Specific areas of focus included management, energy market analysis, nuclear, fossil and alternative energy policy and deployment, radioactive and hazardous waste disposal strategies, safety and regulatory assessment and analysis, as well as public and government engagement. Before working with the Merrifield Group, Mr. Merrifield was the Senior Vice President of Global Business Development with CB&I’s Power Business Unit. While there, he led a team of twenty-five sales and proposal staff to develop and win over $1.5 billion in annual sales, including the first competitive, EPC combined cycle gas unit in over six years. Prior to that, he was Senior Vice President for The Shaw Group, Inc.’s Power Group. As a member of the Power Group's executive team, he was responsible for overseeing the group's external relationships including nuclear business development, customer relations, strategic planning, marketing and communications, as well as government and regulatory affairs. Mr. Merrifield also served on the Board of Directors for the U.S. Ecology Corporation, which is one of the largest U.S. operators of both hazardous and low-level radioactive waste disposal facilities. He served as the Lead Director and Chairman of the Governance Committee and was a member of the Compensation and Audit Committees. Currently, Mr. Merrifield serves on the Board of the U.S. Nuclear Industry Council and is also the Chairman of its Advanced Nuclear Working Group. Composed of more than 70 companies, the Council is the leading business consortium advocate for new nuclear energy and the promotion of the American supply chain globally.
Cyril Draffin
Senior Fellow, New Nuclear
USNIC
Cyril Draffin serves as Senior Fellow, Advanced Nuclear for the U.S. Nuclear Industry Council, which represents more than 90 companies engaged in nuclear innovation and supply chain development. He is focused on development, demonstration, regulation, financing, and deployment of advanced nuclear technologies to meet industrial and utility energy requirements. Mr. Draffin also is working as a specialty consultant contracted to ExxonMobil supporting the Industrial Advanced Nuclear Consortium. He is Regulations and Standards workstream lead for the U.S. Trade and Development’s Small Modular Reactor Working Group, is affiliated with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Energy Initiative, has been Vice-Chair of the Maryland Cybersecurity Critical Infrastructure subcommittee, is Deputy Director MIT Alumni Angels of DC, and is member of MIT Corporation Development Committee. He led the USNIC 2025 “Western States New Nuclear Workshop” and 2024 “Integrating Nuclear Solutions for Petrochemical and Industrial Needs” Houston workshop. Previously, Mr. Draffin was Director, Strategic Development for Northrop Grumman Corporation for 15 years; Vice President of Strategic Planning and Business Development for BDM International; Vice President of Greater Washington Investors, a venture capital firm; Director and strategic planner with the U.S. Department of Energy; and a nuclear and environmental engineer at Bechtel Power Corporation. Mr. Draffin has made major national contributions in developing hydraulic fracturing for natural gas production, sulfur dioxide removal from coal combustion, industrial energy markets, and clean-up of nuclear weapons waste. Mr. Draffin has BS and MS degrees in chemical engineering from MIT.
ADVANCE PROGRAM SCHEDULE
12:30 PM
REGISTRATION & COFFEE
1:00 PM
WELCOME ADDRESS
Todd Abrajano
CEO & President
U.S. Nuclear Industry Council
Hon. Jeffrey Merrifield
Former Commissioner, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Chairman, USNIC
Partner, Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman, LLP
Cyril Draffin
Senior Fellow, New Nuclear
U.S. Nuclear Industry Council
1:10 PM
SETTING THE STAGE
Speakers will address recent supply chain reports and analyses.
Chris Lohse
Innovation & Technology Manager
Gateway for Accelerated Innovation in Nuclear (GAIN)
Spencer Toohill
Nuclear Energy Innovation
The Breakthrough Institute
Jonathan Barr
Nuclear Segment Leader
Flowserve Corporation
Cyril Draffin
Senior Fellow, New Nuclear
U.S. Nuclear Industry Council
1:40 PM PANEL DISCUSSION: NUCLEAR DEVELOPERS
Perspectives of developers on multiple supply chain issues and open discussion.
Cyril Draffin – Moderator
Senior Fellow, New Nuclear
U.S. Nuclear Industry Council
Ed Terres, Jr.
Director, APx Supply Chain Commercial Operations
Westinghouse
Iftikhar Haque
VP of Supply Chain
Terrestrial Energy
Bob Terry
VP of Supply Chain
TerraPower
Troy Mabe
Project Director, Energy Northwest / Amazon Initiative, X-Energy
X-energy
Ryan Andrus
Manager, Supply Chain Development & Manufacturing
NuScale Power
2:50 PM
BREAK
3:20 PM
PANEL DISCUSSION: SUPPLIERS PERSPECTIVES
Perspectives of current and potential suppliers for Advanced Reactor projects and open discussion.
Keyes Niemer – Moderator
Senior Vice President, Global Nuclear
Worley
Jonathan Barr
Nuclear Segment Leader
Flowserve Corporation
Robert Nussmeier
Vice President of Strategic Clients
Baker Construction
Tighe Smith
Chief Nuclear Officer & SVP
Mirion
Tim Williamson
Vice President, Nuclear
NOV
Gary Wolski
Vice President, Nuclear
Curtiss-Wright
4:20 PM
OTHER PERSPECTIVES
Dave McCormack
CEO
Clean Energy Supplier Alliance
4:45 PM
NEXT STEPS & CLOSING REMARKS
5:00 PM
ADJOURN
The USNIC Advanced Reactors Supply Chain Workshop is facilitated by the U.S. Nuclear Industry Council. For questions on the workshop, please contact Cyril Draffin at cyril.draffin@usnic.org.
