NE Employees Recognized During Secretary Honor Awards

Secretary Rick Perry recently held his Honor Awards at the U.S. Department of Energy. Each year, the secretary formally recognizes outstanding achievements of individuals and teams who have gone above and beyond in fulfilling the Energy Department's mission and serving the nation.

Two employees and one research team from the Office of Nuclear Energy were among the award recipients during the event.

The Secretary of Energy’s Excellence Award

This award is bestowed on individuals who have a singular accomplishment that demonstrates a high level of performance and outstanding leadership in public service. The individual’s overall achievement must be substantial, outside the normal course of duty, and significantly benefit the Department’s mission and the nation.

James C. Bresee: Senior Technology Specialist Office of Nuclear Energy

In recognition of his outstanding technical guidance and scientific contributions to DOE in supporting the research and development of the back end of the nuclear fuel cycle. As a federal program manager, Dr. Bresee has directed the research of multiple programs associated with separations, nuclear waste management, and waste form development. Dr. Bresee has been instrumental in establishing the United States as a leader in the field of advanced recycling. His vision, diplomacy and extensive experience in dealing with our international partners are central to placing DOE and the Office of Nuclear Energy on a sound technical and organizational foundation. Dr. Bresee’s vision, sense of strategy, and leadership have brought the U.S. to the forefront of innovation.

For his contributions to DOE and the nation, Dr. James Bresee is awarded the Secretary of Energy’s Excellence Award.

Frank J. Goldner, Nuclear Engineer, Office of Nuclear Energy

In recognition of his leadership in guiding the Department’s Accident Tolerant Fuel Program and greatly accelerating the program for the benefit of the nation’s nuclear power industry. As the federal program manager, Dr. Goldner directed the efforts of the nuclear fuel vendors partnering with the Department to engage with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission at a key point in the program. His persistence and innovation helped to overcome the many challenges associated with nuclear fuel development and qualification, placing him above and beyond the typical program manager. His efforts have resulted in significantly accelerating the program and gaining the strong support of both Congress and industry. Through Dr. Goldner’s leadership, the program is several years ahead of schedule and better positioned to help improve the safety, reliability and economics of the current nuclear fleet and sustain this critical source of the nation’s clean and reliable energy.

For his contributions to DOE and the nation, Dr. Frank Goldner is awarded the Secretary of Energy’s Excellence Award.

The Secretary of Energy’s Achievement Award

This award is bestowed upon a group or team of DOE employees and/or contractors who together accomplished significant achievements on behalf of the Department. These groups should demonstrate cooperation and teamwork in attaining their goals.

Transient Reactor Test Facility Integrated Program Team

TREAT test reactor at Idaho National Laboratory

In recognition of DOE's highly successful restart at the Transient Reactor Test (TREAT) Facility. The successful resumption of TREAT operations was the result of the dedicated effort of personnel from the Office of Nuclear Energy and the Idaho National Laboratory. This teamwork resulted in resumption of operations being accomplished 12 months ahead of schedule and nearly $20 million below original estimates. TREAT is designed specifically to test nuclear reactor fuels and materials under extreme conditions, an important asset to nuclear scientists and engineers as they work to increase the safety and performance of current and future nuclear reactors.

For their contributions to DOE and the nation, the TREAT Facility Integrated Program Team is awarded the Secretary of Energy’s Achievement Award.

MEMBERS:

David J. Broussard

Lloyd C. Brown

John D. Bumgardner

Julie E. Conner

Richard W. Denning

Roger K. Harshbarger

Loren W. Kinghorn

Lee O. Nelson

Jason C. Tokey

William R. Watson

.....

Learn more about the Secretary Honor Awards