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Archived News
Columbia Generating Station Information
June 20, 2007
News Release 07-10
Brad Peck, Corporate Communications
(509) 377-8247
Gary Miller
(509) 377-8728
RICHLAND, Wash. – Energy Northwest has announced four key personnel assignment updates at the Columbia Generating Station nuclear power plant.
Energy Northwest CEO Vic Parrish has delegated Chief Nuclear Officer duties to Dale Atkinson, Vice President for nuclear generation at the 1,250-megawatt nuclear power plant. Parrish announced the delegation of responsibilities as an “executive development challenge” for Atkinson. The CNO at a nuclear power plant is responsible for ensuring the safe handling of all nuclear materials at the facility at all times. As the vice president for nuclear generation Atkinson was already responsible for the operation and maintenance of CGS.
Atkinson has more than 30 years in the nuclear power industry and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in nuclear engineering from Oregon State University, a Master of Engineering degree from Pennsylvania State University, and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Washington.
Scott Oxenford, Vice President for technical services at CGS will begin an 18-month career broadening assignment at the Institute for Nuclear Power Operations on July 16. INPO is a non-profit industry oversight organization based in Marietta, Georgia. As vice president for technical services he is presently responsible for Engineering, Construction and Maintenance Services, Regulatory Programs, Information Services, and Resource Protection.
During his temporary assignment at INPO, Oxenford will participate in evaluations at several nuclear power sites in the U.S. and become qualified as a Team Manager. His primary responsibility will be as an INPO representative working with several nuclear power stations to improve their operations.
Oxenford joined Energy Northwest in 1994 and has more than 20 years experience in the nuclear power industry. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from
Pennsylvania State University and completed the Harvard University Graduate School of Business Advanced Management Program.
Sudesh Gambhir joined the Energy Northwest team in June and will replace Oxenford beginning July 2.
Gambhir has over 29 years experience in the nuclear power industry. Prior to accepting the assignment at Energy Northwest, he worked at Fort Calhoun Nuclear Power Station in Nebraska where he was the Division Manager – Nuclear Projects. He was responsible for implementation of major projects, including Steam Generator Replacement, Dry Cask Storage, License Renewal, Reactor Vessel Head Replacement, Pressurizer Replacement, Low Pressure Turbine Replacement, Condenser Replacement, and Simulator Refurbishment. Along with his experience in the nuclear power industry, Gambhir also brings 29 years of experience with working in the public power arena. He is a registered Professional Engineer; a certified Project Management Professional, and has completed Management Plan Certification at Fort Calhoun Station. He holds a Master’s degree in Nuclear Engineering from the Polytechnic Institute of New York, and a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Nebraska.
Lou Cortopassi has moved from Training Manager to Manager of Operations at CGS. In his new role, he is responsible for day-to-day operations at the plant. Cortopassi came to Energy Northwest in November 2005 from the Indian Point Energy Center in Buchanan, N.Y. He holds a Bachelors of Business Administration degree in Finance, has more than 24 years in the nuclear power industry and has held a Senior [nuclear] Reactor Operator license.