Our Team – First American Nuclear Co.

Nuclear Expertise

A team that has shaped advanced reactor programs throughout the Western Hemisphere

First American Nuclear has amassed a brain trust in advanced nuclear, along with talent across every function of the full nuclear and project execution lifecycle, from technology and engineering to operations and finance.

Members of the team have contributed to some of the most significant fast-reactor and nuclear fuel-cycle programs in the United States, giving FANCO a foundation of practical hands-on experience that extends beyond conceptual reactor design.

FANCO is applying this knowledge to today’s challenge of delivering commercially viable nuclear power. EAGL-1, BRIDGE POWER™ , and a Dynamic Power strategy bring those lessons together in a platform designed around the practical requirements of commercial deployment.

Executive Leadership

Bill Stokes founded First American Nuclear Co. and brings more than four decades of experience across nuclear energy, advanced reactor development, and project execution. His career has included leadership roles supporting U.S. Department of Energy initiatives and the development of fast-reactor and commercial nuclear programs. At FANCO, he helps guide the company’s technology strategy, industry partnerships, and long-term approach to deploying advanced nuclear power.

Mike Reinboth leads FANCO’s corporate strategy, commercial development, financing, and execution. He has held executive roles across global enterprises and venture-backed companies in the energy and technology sectors. His background spans commercial energy, global financial markets, project development, growth strategy, and the operation of physical power assets, experience he applies to FANCO’s focus on turning advanced nuclear technology into commercially deployable power projects.

Nick Burnett leads commercial and transactional execution across FANCO. An attorney and experienced operator, his background includes structured finance, mergers and acquisitions, energy project development, and complex commercial transactions. He has advised private equity firms and Fortune 100 companies and has helped build and operate startup companies from formation through execution. At FANCO, he supports the commercial, legal, and organizational infrastructure required to scale the company and its projects.

Michelle Catts leads regulatory affairs, licensing, and quality for FANCO’s EAGL-1 program. She brings approximately 20 years of experience developing and executing regulatory strategies for advanced reactor and nuclear fuel technologies. Before joining FANCO, she led global licensing and regulatory engagement at GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy and previously served in senior roles at the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, giving her experience from both the regulator and applicant perspectives.

George Malone leads nuclear program execution at FANCO and brings more than 30 years of experience in test, military, and commercial nuclear operations, engineering, and regulatory compliance. His career includes nuclear plant operations and training, NRC safety inspection programs, and senior management roles at Exelon. Most recently, he served as a project director supporting implementation of GE Hitachi’s BWRX-300 small modular reactor program.

Rafael Paz leads financial strategy, capital planning, and corporate finance at FANCO. He brings more than 15 years of international experience in capital-intensive energy and infrastructure businesses, including oil and gas, LNG, and large-scale energy platforms. Before joining FANCO, he held senior finance roles shaping multibillion-dollar businesses and most recently supported the financial development of NuScale Power’s commercial SMR deployment efforts.

Dr. Eric McFarland leads scientific strategy and technology development at FANCO. Trained in nuclear engineering at MIT and the University of California, Berkeley, he has spent decades working across energy, chemical engineering, and technology commercialization and has founded multiple energy ventures. He holds more than 40 patents and has authored more than 200 technical publications spanning nuclear, chemical, and energy systems.

Technical Leadership

Dr. Alan Waltar is a nationally and internationally recognized authority on fast-reactor technology and reactor physics. His career has included leadership at U.S. national laboratories, service as President of the American Nuclear Society, and extensive work on liquid-metal fast-reactor programs. He is a co-author of Fast Spectrum Reactors, a widely used technical reference in the field. At FANCO, he advises reactor physics, core design, and fast-spectrum technology development.

Dr. James Conca supports nuclear safety, waste management, and environmental strategy at FANCO. He brings more than 35 years of experience in nuclear waste, geologic disposal, environmental remediation, and energy systems. His career has included work associated with Yucca Mountain and the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant, along with technical and leadership roles involving Los Alamos National Laboratory, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, and NASA.

Dr. Donald Todd leads nuclear engineering activities at FANCO and brings decades of experience in advanced reactor design, nuclear safety analysis, and technology development. Before joining FANCO, he held senior engineering and leadership roles at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, NuScale Power, and AREVA, most recently leading PNNL’s Nuclear Engineering and Analysis Group. He is also a co-editor and contributing author of Fast Spectrum Reactors.

Rick Trotta leads engineering activities supporting the development and deployment of EAGL-1. He brings more than two decades of experience in advanced reactor development, nuclear engineering, and program leadership. Before joining FANCO, he held senior technical and management roles at Holtec International, where he supported development of the company’s small modular reactor technology and clean-energy projects in the United States and international markets.

Thomas Koenig leads engineering operations and the processes used to move FANCO technologies from design through commercialization. He brings more than 20 years of experience in technical manufacturing, product development, engineering systems, and scale-up across large companies and startups. Before joining FANCO, he worked on advanced energy technologies including Renuvi Energy’s electrochemical battery development program.

Engineering & Operations Team

Bill Bowen brings approximately 40 years of experience in the management, design, construction, and operation of nuclear and chemical facilities in both commercial and government environments. He previously served as Plant Engineering Manager at the Fast Flux Test Facility, where he gained direct experience with liquid-metal fast-reactor systems. His background also includes nuclear facility management, project management, nuclear-material transportation, and remote and robotic systems for hazardous environments.

Dr. Ronald Omberg is a nationally recognized expert in fast reactor technology, reactor physics, core design, and nuclear fuels. He has played an instrumental role in the development, operation, and preservation of technical knowledge associated with the Fast Flux Test Facility (FFTF), including managing its Design/Build/Operating Information Program at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. His career has also included leadership roles across major U.S. Department of Energy reactor and fuel programs, advanced reactor design reviews, and international nuclear initiatives. Dr. Omberg holds a Ph.D. in Nuclear Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley and has authored more than 100 technical publications.

Dr. Aydin Karahan leads fuel-performance analysis and modeling for FANCO’s advanced nuclear fuel programs. He brings extensive experience in nuclear fuel behavior, reactor materials, and computational modeling, with particular expertise in fast-reactor fuel systems. His career has included research at MIT and Argonne National Laboratory, where his work has addressed metallic and advanced nuclear fuels, irradiation behavior, and fuel-performance modeling. At FANCO, he supports the analysis and qualification of fuel technologies for EAGL-1 and future fuel-cycle applications.

Dr. Andrew Caldwell specializes in molten metals, high-temperature thermochemistry, and materials behavior under extreme process conditions. He has designed and managed multi-year experimental programs focused on materials compatibility and rapid technology development, particularly for chemical processes involving molten media. At FANCO, he applies that experience to materials selection, testing, and qualification for advanced reactor systems. He earned his Ph.D. from MIT.

Thurman Cooper brings more than 40 years of experience in nuclear-materials chemistry, actinide processing, and plutonium-related technologies. His career includes work supporting major U.S. plutonium-processing capabilities and research into isotopic migration and heavy-metal behavior in liquid-metal and molten-salt environments. At FANCO, he contributes specialized expertise in nuclear chemistry, fuel-cycle technologies, and materials behavior relevant to advanced reactor systems.

Nicole Elizarraras supports reactor and mechanical systems engineering for the EAGL-1 program. Her background includes advanced energy systems, reactor technology development, experimental hardware, and component design. Before joining FANCO, she worked at Renuvi Energy on molten-salt battery research and the design of battery test systems and components. She earned a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Washington State University, where she also conducted composite-materials research.

Al Farabee is a nuclear engineer with extensive experience in liquid-metal-cooled fast-reactor systems and Fast Flux Test Facility operations. His work has included analysis of FFTF operating performance, reactor operations, and materials behavior, along with technical contributions relevant to later Generation IV reactor concepts. At FANCO, he applies firsthand fast-reactor operating experience to reactor systems, operations planning, and technology development.

Peter W. Gibbons brings more than 30 years of experience in advanced nuclear systems, with particular expertise in liquid-metal fast reactors, remote systems, and fuel-handling technologies. He has led U.S. Department of Energy waste-retrieval programs, contributed to international nuclear standards work, and served in senior engineering roles involving isotope-production systems. A U.S. Navy veteran, he served aboard a nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine and holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering.

Steve Hiller brings more than 45 years of experience in liquid-metal fast-reactor operations, engineering, and fuel handling. He spent more than three decades at the Fast Flux Test Facility in roles ranging from reactor operator to leadership of fuel-handling and core-refueling operations, later serving as Engineering Manager for FFTF fuel-handling systems. He has since supported advanced liquid-metal reactor programs as a consultant focused on fuel-handling system design and operations.

Dr. David Lucoff brings more than 50 years of technical and management experience in fast-reactor design, safety, and operations. His career includes senior leadership roles at the Idaho National Laboratory and the Hanford Site, including service as Deputy Plant Manager and Operations Manager of the Fast Flux Test Facility. He has also led advanced-reactor programs and core-design activities, providing FANCO with extensive firsthand experience in fast-spectrum reactor systems and operations.

Dr. Amit Mahulkar supports thermal-hydraulics and advanced energy-system development at FANCO. His background spans engineering research, technology scale-up, and commercialization of high-temperature energy systems. Before joining FANCO, he conducted research at MIT and worked on high-temperature and methane-pyrolysis technologies, contributing to the design and scale-up of novel energy and hydrogen-production systems.

Dr. Sam Shaner supports core design and advanced reactor analysis at FANCO. His experience includes development of nuclear and chemical systems from fundamental modeling through pilot-scale implementation, with work spanning process design, simulation, and reactor technology. He earned his Ph.D. and M.S. in Nuclear Science and Engineering from MIT and has authored publications and patents across advanced energy technologies.

Ali Davar brings a background in mechanical design, nuclear energy, and engineering research to FANCO. His experience includes serving as a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer at TerraPower and a Mechanical Engineer at NuScale Power, along with research and design roles at the University of New Hampshire and Oregon State University. His career combines advanced engineering research with practical design experience in the nuclear industry.

Dr. Brett Parkinson supports materials science, experimental development, and technology scale-up at FANCO. His experience spans high-temperature chemical processes, thermochemical systems, advanced reactor technologies, pilot-plant development, and multidisciplinary research programs. He earned a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Imperial College London and has authored widely cited research and patented innovations related to advanced energy and chemical systems.

SuJong Yoon leads reactor thermal-hydraulics activities at FANCO, supporting the analysis and development of EAGL-1 reactor systems. Before joining FANCO, he spent more than a decade at Idaho National Laboratory working on reactor thermal hydraulics, computational fluid dynamics, systems analysis, and advanced reactor technology. His research has included sodium and sodium-potassium-cooled systems, molten-salt reactors, high-temperature reactors, research-reactor fuels, and thermal-hydraulic modeling supporting advanced nuclear programs.

Andrew Porter leads engineering work on EAGL-1 plant systems architecture, facility integration, and functional design criteria. He brings nearly a decade of experience across high-temperature gas-cooled reactors, sodium fast reactors, and lead-bismuth reactor systems. Before joining FANCO, he served as a U.S. subject-matter expert for liquid-metal and molten-salt reactor technologies at Framatome. He holds M.S. degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Industrial Engineering from Washington State University.

Dr. Kevin Schwinkendorf supports reactor core physics, modeling, and simulation at FANCO. He brings more than 25 years of experience across the U.S. Department of Energy nuclear complex, including work at Hanford, the Nevada Test Site, and Los Alamos. His background includes criticality safety, fast-reactor analysis, and complex nuclear-system modeling. He holds nuclear engineering degrees from Oregon State University and a Ph.D. from the University of Washington.

Project Execution Team

Danny Seibert leads project development activities at FANCO, supporting the advancement of energy projects from early-stage development through engineering and execution. He brings significant experience in energy infrastructure, project management, engineering, and plant development. Before joining FANCO, he served as Senior Project Manager at Redtail Renewables and previously held engineering leadership roles at Kinetrex Energy, including Director of LNG Engineering, where he was responsible for engineering strategy and plant-support activities. He is a licensed Professional Engineer and a graduate of Auburn University.

Gerry Goldner leads project delivery and execution for FANCO’s advanced nuclear programs. He brings more than three decades of experience across the entire nuclear project lifecycle, including design, licensing, procurement, construction, start-up, and operations. Before joining FANCO, he served as a Senior Project Director at both NuScale and GE-Hitachi managing several new nuclear power plant projects, including the initial SMR deployments at both organizations. At FANCO, he applies that significant experience to the planning and execution of EAGL-1 new power plant projects.

Duane Olcsvary leads supply-chain and procurement strategy for FANCO. He brings more than 40 years of nuclear-industry experience spanning utilities, EPC organizations, project development, commercial management, contracting, and nuclear supply chains. His career includes leadership roles at TVA and Westinghouse, including responsibility for EPC contracting and supply-chain activities associated with major nuclear projects. At FANCO, he supports the supplier, procurement, and contracting strategy required for commercial deployment.

Troy Main supports project delivery and operational readiness for FANCO’s nuclear deployment programs. He brings more than 20 years of experience across nuclear, fossil, and combined-cycle power generation, with particular expertise in plant operations, maintenance, work management, operational readiness, and major-project execution. Before joining FANCO, he held leadership positions with Entergy and GE Vernova, where his work included preparing nuclear projects and operating organizations for safe and reliable plant operation.

Paul Boyadjian leads major-project execution activities at FANCO and brings nearly two decades of experience across nuclear power, engineering, project management, and energy infrastructure. Before joining FANCO, he served as Director of Project Management at NuScale Power, supporting development and deployment of the company’s small modular reactor program. His earlier career includes nuclear engineering and project leadership roles spanning operating plants, engineering organizations, and complex nuclear-energy projects.

Scott Durdle supports major-project execution and delivery at FANCO, bringing more than three decades of leadership, nuclear operations, project management, and organizational development experience. Before joining FANCO, he served as Nuclear Production Manager at Norfolk Naval Shipyard, where he led nuclear production activities supporting the maintenance and overhaul of U.S. Navy nuclear-powered ships and submarines. A retired U.S. Navy commander, Durdle’s career combines naval nuclear experience with large-scale workforce leadership and complex program execution.

Finance & Operations

J. Scott Enright serves as General Counsel to FANCO and advises the company on corporate governance, securities matters, financing transactions, commercial agreements, and other strategic legal issues. He is Senior Counsel at Taft and brings more than 20 years of legal and executive experience as general counsel to public companies. Before joining Taft, he spent more than two decades at Emmis Corporation, where he built the company’s in-house legal function, supported public-company compliance and capital markets activities, and helped execute more than 60 transactions totaling over $4 billion.

Bianca Boschmans leads SEC reporting and related public-company financial reporting activities at FANCO. A Certified Public Accountant, she brings experience in SEC reporting, technical accounting, corporate accounting, and public accounting. Before joining FANCO, she held senior reporting and accounting roles at ESS and other public and growth-stage companies and began her career with Deloitte. At FANCO, she supports financial-statement preparation, regulatory reporting, technical accounting, and the financial-control environment required of a public company.

Adrian Magopet leads accounting operations and financial controls at FANCO. He brings experience in corporate accounting, financial reporting, and finance within the advanced nuclear industry, including prior experience at NuScale Power. At FANCO, he is responsible for supporting the company’s accounting processes, financial close, internal controls, and reporting infrastructure as the organization grows and prepares to operate as a public company. Magopet is a graduate of the University of Houston-Victoria.

Jawad Ravzi supports FANCO’s accounting operations, financial reporting, and internal financial processes. His responsibilities include maintaining the company’s accounting records, supporting financial close and reporting activities, and helping develop the accounting infrastructure needed as FANCO expands its operations and project portfolio. He brings a background in accounting and finance and earned his business education from the University of Houston’s C.T. Bauer College of Business.

Daniel Murahovschi supports financial planning, project economics, and strategic analysis at FANCO. His background includes financial modeling, transaction advisory, structured finance, project finance, and debt and equity structuring, with particular experience in renewable energy and infrastructure. Before joining FANCO, he worked with Grid Partners and other organizations on investment analysis and energy-related transactions. At FANCO, he supports corporate forecasting, capital planning, project economics, and financial analysis for the company’s development portfolio.

Chuck Girard leads information security and technology risk management at FANCO. He brings more than a decade of senior technology leadership experience, including serving as Vice President of Information Technology at Deluxe, where he helped oversee enterprise IT systems, infrastructure, security, and technology operations. His background spans cybersecurity, enterprise systems, IT governance, and operational resilience. At FANCO, he is responsible for protecting the company’s digital infrastructure and developing the secure technology environment required to support a growing nuclear and engineering organization.

Laura Jansen leads social media and digital engagement for FANCO. She brings experience in digital marketing, content strategy, audience growth, brand development, and cross-channel campaign execution. Before joining FANCO, she held marketing and content leadership roles focused on building digital audiences and translating organizational priorities into compelling external communications. At FANCO, she develops and manages the company’s social media presence, creating accessible content around advanced nuclear technology, company milestones, partnerships, and the people behind FANCO’s programs.

Andre Ivey leads human resources at FANCO, with responsibility for supporting the people, organizational, and workforce systems required as the company grows. His work includes talent acquisition, employee development, organizational planning, HR operations, and the development of policies and processes needed to support a rapidly scaling technical organization. At FANCO, he works across leadership and functional teams to build the workforce and organizational infrastructure required for the company’s expanding nuclear, engineering, and project-development programs.

Daisie Girard supports human resources and administrative operations at FANCO. She brings approximately 20 years of experience across human resources, bookkeeping, general accounting, payroll, and business administration. Her career has included roles with Deluxe and major construction organizations, where she supported day-to-day financial operations, employee administration, and workforce-related processes. At FANCO, she supports HR operations, employee records, onboarding, benefits administration, and the internal processes needed to support a growing technical organization.

Government Relations & Regulatory

Laura Anderson leads government relations and public-policy engagement for FANCO. Her career spans economic development, government affairs, political campaigns, and public-private partnerships at the state and federal levels. She has worked with elected officials, government agencies, industry leaders, and community stakeholders to advance economic-development initiatives, attract investment, and align policy objectives with commercial projects. She is a graduate of the Lugar Series.

Adam Box serves as Vice President of Legal and Compliance at FANCO. He brings experience in corporate compliance, energy transactions, and energy law, including work at GE Vernova and BP. His background combines energy-sector legal experience with a focus on responsible business practices. At FANCO, he oversees legal and compliance matters, supporting commercial agreements, corporate governance, and risk management as the company advances its nuclear energy and power infrastructure businesses.

Charlotte Geiger supports reactor licensing and regulatory engagement for FANCO’s advanced nuclear programs. She brings extensive experience in nuclear engineering, systems engineering, plant licensing, and regulatory affairs across both operating reactors and advanced-reactor development. Her career has included licensing work with X-energy and PSEG, including direct participation in engagement with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. At FANCO, she supports licensing strategy, regulatory submittals, and NRC engagement for the EAGL-1 program.

Dallas Gardner leads licensing activities for FANCO’s nuclear fuel facilities. He brings more than 30 years of professional experience, including approximately 25 years in the nuclear industry across fuel manufacturing, reactor construction, regulatory affairs, and project management. His nuclear-fuel experience includes licensing work at Nuclear Fuel Services. At FANCO, he supports the regulatory strategy, licensing, and agency engagement for the company’s planned advanced nuclear fuel-cycle facilities.

Jessica Jones brings experience in nuclear records management, document control, and information governance to FANCO. A Certified Records Manager with the Nuclear Information and Records Specialist designation (CRM/NS), her background includes work at the Tennessee Valley Authority and leadership within the Nuclear Information and Records Management Association (NIRMA). She has served as Director of NIRMA’s Professional Development Business Unit and helped establish its scholarship program, supporting the development of the next generation of nuclear information professionals.

Major General (Ret.) Dr. Julie Bentz advises FANCO on nuclear policy, safety, and national security. Her career spans more than three decades of nuclear-related service across the military and federal government, including work associated with the U.S. response to the Chernobyl accident and service on the National Security Staff as Director of Strategic Capabilities Policy. She holds graduate degrees in nuclear engineering and national security strategy.

David Kovatch advises FANCO on federal energy policy, national security, and U.S. Department of Energy engagement. He is a Principal at Mission Strategies and previously held senior roles at the White House National Security Council and the Department of Energy. His career includes service as DOE Attaché to the U.S. Embassies in Mexico and the United Kingdom and work involving international nuclear nonproliferation, the National Nuclear Security Administration, trade, and critical minerals.

Built by leaders with real experience

A team that has shaped advanced reactor programs throughout the Western Hemisphere

Executive Leadership

Bill Stokes

Mike Reinboth

Nick Burnett

Michelle Catts

George Malone

Rafael Paz

Eric McFarland, Ph.D.

Technical Leadership

Alan Waltar, Ph.D.

James Conca, Ph.D.

Donald Todd, Ph.D.

Rick Trotta

Thomas Koenig

Engineering & Operations Team

Bill Bowen

Ron Omberg, Ph.D.

Aydin Karahan, Ph.D.

Andrew Caldwell, Ph.D.

Thurman Cooper

Nicole Elizarraras

Al Farabee

Peter W. Gibbons

Steve Hiller

David Lucoff, Ph.D.

Amit Mahulkar, Ph.D.

Sam Shaner, Ph.D.

Ali Davar, Ph.D.

Brett Parkinson, Ph.D.

SuJong Yoon

Andrew Porter

Kevin Schwinkendorf, Ph.D.

Project Execution Team

Danny Seibert, P.E.

Gerry Goldner

Duane Olcsvary

Troy Main

Paul Boyadjian, P.E., PMP

Scott Durdle, MPM, PMP

Finance & Operations

J. Scott Enright

Bianca Boschmans, CPA

Adrian Magopet, MBA

Jawad Ravzi

Daniel Murahovschi

Charles Girard

Laura Jansen

Andre Ivey

Daisie Girard

Government Relations & Regulatory

Laura Anderson

Adam Box

Charlotte Geiger

Dallas Gardner, PMP

Jessica Jones

Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Julie Bentz, Ph.D.

David Kovatch