EM has selected a director from the Office of Naval Reactors (NR) with over 26 years of experience in program management, policy and technical experience to serve as the cleanup program’s new principal deputy assistant secretary, effective this January.
Office of Environmental Management
December 6, 2022
minute read time
EM has selected a director from the Office of Naval Reactors (NR) with over 26 years of experience in program management, policy and technical experience to serve as the cleanup program’s new principal deputy assistant secretary, effective this January.
Jeff Avery will replace Candice Robertson, who has held the senior leadership role on an interim basis. Robertson is moving to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, where she will work as chief of staff for commissioner Brad Crowell.
“With his solid technical knowledge and expertise, and experience working with EM, Jeff will be an invaluable member of the EM leadership team,” EM Senior Advisor William “Ike” White said. “I look forward to working with him as we tackle the remaining challenges in our cleanup mission.”
As EM’s principal deputy assistant secretary, Avery will enable the safe and successful execution of the EM cleanup mission while providing management oversight of activities, operations and program integration across EM field sites.
In his work at NR, Avery has collaborated with EM on several projects. He helped develop a strategic partnership to draw from the EM team’s experience and expertise to dismantle legacy radiological facilities at several NR sites.
Avery has a long history working for NR, a joint organization of DOE and the Department of the Navy. He currently serves as director of Regulatory and Security Affairs, responsible for regulatory and policy matters, security programs, environmental affairs and associated stakeholder engagement, oversight of NR work at the Idaho National Laboratory, and nuclear facility life-cycle management.
In past NR roles, Avery was responsible for nuclear powered ship port entry worldwide, nuclear propulsion technology exchange programs with the United Kingdom and strategic communications. Earlier in his career, Avery served in several technical and quality assurance roles supporting the Navy’s fleet of nuclear-powered ships.
Avery holds a Master of Business Administration from Indiana University, Master of Engineering Management from Old Dominion University and Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from Purdue University. He also is a graduate of the Bettis Reactor Engineering School.
To receive the latest news and updates about the Office of Environmental Management, submit your e-mail address.