The Utilities Service Alliance (USA) Board of Directors today announced its election of John Christensen to serve as President, Chief Executive Officer, of the Overland Park, Kansas-based organization, effective September 19, 2017.
USA is a not-for-profit cooperative designed to facilitate collaboration among its member utilities in the commercial nuclear power industry.
Christensen launched his career at USA in 2007 as Strategic Sourcing Manager. In 2009, he was named Director of Operational Performance where he oversaw the development and coordination of all operational improvement initiatives within USA fleet. In 2013, he was promoted to Vice President, Operational Performance, and has been serving as acting President and CEO since February 2017.
“John’s dedication to and foresight within the domestic commercial nuclear industry is recognized across the alliance,” said USA Board Chairman Timothy S. Rausch. “USA’s Board leadership made it clear that they, too, recognize John’s exceptional leadership skills and were pleased to offer the position to him. We are fortunate to have bench-strength which allows us to tap USA leadership from among the ranks of USA.”
With more than 34 years of commercial nuclear power experience, Christensen began his career at Iowa’s only nuclear power plant – the Duane Arnold Energy Center near Palo, Iowa. There, he held a variety of positions with increasing responsibilities in Engineering, Operations and Training. Years later, he served at the Clinton Nuclear Generating Station, Clinton, Ill., as its Training Director, and later as Manager, Midwest Nuclear Energy Services with the General Physics Corporation.
Christensen then went on to work for Cooper Nuclear Station, Brownville, Neb., where he held several positions including Training Manager, Operations Manager, Plant Manager, Acting Site Vice President and General Manager of Support.
“I am truly lucky to have had the opportunities that USA has offered me over the past ten years,” said Christensen. “There are some exciting changes occurring within USA and I look forward to working with our members as we move into the next chapter of our organization’s history. The nuclear power industry is facing real challenges and we stand ready to assist our members to meet the challenge.”
Christensen earned a Senior Reactor Operator (SRO) license while at Duane Arnold and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Nuclear Engineering from Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from Nova Southeastern University, Davie, Fla.
John lives in Auburn, Neb., with his wife Michelle. Together, they have two daughters, Peyton and Cheyenne.