On September 1st, Steve Willrett, USA Vice President- Supply Chain, officially retired after 16 years of service to USA. Steve joined USA in May of 1997, on loan from OPPD in what was initially dubbed a temporary assignment. “I have joked throughout the last 16 + years about my ‘temporary’ assignment,” states Steve. “But it has been a wonderful way to conclude my utility career. The best part of the experience has been all the wonderful friends I’ve made at both utility members and supplier partners. I am confident that the USA SCM program is in excellent hands and is poised to move on to even bigger and better benefits for the members and suppliers.”
When asked about Steve’s contribution to the Alliance, Bill Ponec, USA Manager – Programs and Initiatives, stated, “Steve was innovative and never content solving today’s problems with yesterday’s solutions. He was always looking for new ideas and understood that USA could either lead or follow. He always liked the view from the front of the line best.”
“Steve has been instrumental in developing the strong and effective supply chain system we have now,” continued Carl Parry, USA’s President and CEO. “He has established a sound foundation on which his successors can continue to build.”
“For many, Steve has been the face of USA and USA Supply Chain since the very beginning,” added John Christensen, USA Vice President – Operational Performance. “Steve has grown the USA Supply Chain group from its infancy to a significant player in the US nuclear industry. Steve is the reason I am at USA and I owe him a lot, personally and professionally. I will miss Steve and the professionalism and integrity he has brought to all of USA.”
Steve plans to spend several months hunting, fishing, and enjoying his grandchildren. After that, he plans to continue working in the industry and looks forward to working on the supplier side of the equation. “I’m not quite ready for the rocking chair yet,” jokes Steve. “I’m ready to start a new adventure.”
Jim Kitchens will be taking over Steve’s position as Director – Supply Chain Management. Jim joined the USA staff at the end of last year as Manager – Supply Chain. (see www.usainc.org/news-and-events/new-usa-manager-supply-chain.html). “I couldn’t be more excited about the new opportunity I have been blessed with,” states Jim. “It is an honor and a privilege to work with so many gifted people for such a great purpose.”
When asked what he is looking forward to in the new role, Jim replied: “I am really looking forward to building on the foundation that Steve and the team have put in place by bringing even more value to our members.” Jim had already been working on several new initiatives as Manager, and plans to continue these as Director. “We’re going to step up our support of the Core Peer Teams (CPT), implement our own SCM CPT devoted to supply chain operational excellence and add new agreements to our portfolio, all while continuing to build strong, strategic relationships with the supplier community.”
“These are serious and significant times in our industry,” Jim continues, “and the Alliance can and will play a significant part in ensuring the continued success of our members. I take this responsibility very seriously and feel a personal commitment to each of the sites. It’s really great to be part of this larger family.”
USA Inc. would like to sincerely congratulate Steve Willrett on his retirement and Jim Kitchens on his promotion!
Steve Willrett (left) and Jim Kitchens.