Redefining Leadership in Nuclear: The Trailblazing Journey of Kimberly Cook-Nelson
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03/08/25 • 50 min
Meet Kimberly Cook-Nelson, Executive Vice President of Nuclear Operations and Chief Nuclear Officer at Entergy. With over two decades of leadership in the nuclear industry, she oversees the safe and reliable operation of Entergy’s four nuclear plants and five reactors across Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi. Her expertise spans nuclear safety, regulatory compliance, and operational excellence. A licensed professional engineer, she holds an MBA, a master’s in engineering management, and a bachelor’s in mechanical engineering from the University of New Orleans, along with completing Harvard Business School’s Advanced Management Program.
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Meet Kimberly Cook-Nelson, Executive Vice President of Nuclear Operations and Chief Nuclear Officer at Entergy. With over two decades of leadership in the nuclear industry, she oversees the safe and reliable operation of Entergy’s four nuclear plants and five reactors across Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi. Her expertise spans nuclear safety, regulatory compliance, and operational excellence. A licensed professional engineer, she holds an MBA, a master’s in engineering management, and a bachelor’s in mechanical engineering from the University of New Orleans, along with completing Harvard Business School’s Advanced Management Program.
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Stay connected with us for more insights on Nuclear, innovation, CleanTech, and the future of sustainable.
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🌍 Building the Future of CleanTech: An Interview with Harry Hall and Phil Zeringue 🌱
In this engaging conversation, Harry Hall, Senior Manager at Brightsmith, and Phil Zeringue, VP of Strategic Partnerships at Nuclearn, discuss the intersection of CleanTech, innovation, and leadership.
From scaling start-ups to advancing nuclear, AgTech, and bioenergy solutions, Harry shares insights from his experience connecting climate-driven professionals with cutting-edge opportunities. Phil dives into the role of AI and technology in transforming industries like nuclear energy, highlighting how collaboration and visionary talent drive real-world impact.
🔑 Topics Covered:
- The role of senior leadership in scaling CleanTech businesses
- Trends in the nuclear, AgTech, and bioenergy sectors
- How AI and technology are shaping the future of sustainability
- Advice for professionals looking to make an impact in CleanTech
If you enjoyed today’s episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your network. 🌍
Stay connected with us for more insights on Nuclear, innovation, CleanTech, and the future of sustainable.
Next Episode
Shaping the Future of Nuclear: Lisa Marshall’s Educational Mission and Global Impact
When you talk to Lisa Marshall, it quickly becomes clear that her impact on the nuclear industry isn’t just about her title as President of the American Nuclear Society. It’s about the intentional, tireless, and deeply human way she shapes the future of nuclear education and workforce development.
Key Takeaways from Lisa’s Interview
- Performance opens doors. Lisa didn’t have a technical background when she started, but her curiosity and commitment led to opportunities in teaching, advising, and national leadership.
- Education is more than curriculum. From hands-on projects to mentorship, students need environments that nurture confidence, communication, and resilience.
- Professional skills matter. Calling them “soft” undercuts their importance. The ability to collaborate, communicate, and adapt is what makes the difference in long-term success.
- Start early, stay engaged. Building a nuclear workforce isn’t just about college—it’s about early exposure, practical experiences, and continuous mentorship.
- Go slow to go far. Lisa’s approach to leadership is about long-term investment, not one-off events. She believes relationship-building and thoughtful engagement are the true foundations of growth.
Download the Episode: Hear Lisa’s Full Story
Whether you’re a student exploring your first internship, a university leader shaping the future of engineering education, or an industry veteran reflecting on the next generation—this episode with Lisa Marshall is one you don’t want to miss.
🎧 Download the full podcast to hear Lisa’s journey, her insights on workforce development, and why servant leadership just might be the secret sauce to building a better future in nuclear.
If you enjoyed today’s episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your network. 🌍
Stay connected with us for more insights on Nuclear, innovation, CleanTech, and the future of sustainable.
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