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Conference Spotlight
2026 Nuclear Energy Conference & Expo (NECX)
August 24–27, 2026
Dallas, TX|Hilton Anatole
Latest Magazine Issues
Jul 2026
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2026
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Nuclear Science and Engineering
August 2026
Nuclear Technology
Fusion Science and Technology
Latest News
Mark Peters: Building on a strong foundation
Summer at the American Nuclear Society carries with it a sense of renewed momentum as the incoming president takes office and starts making plans for the year ahead. This has been particularly true in the last few years, as nuclear energy moves into a new era marked by broader public interest, stronger policy support, and a growing sense of possibility across the field. Mark Peters, the Society’s 72nd president, shares that optimism—and he is focused on turning it into results.
UWC Opening Plenary: Driving Transformational Change Keynote SPeaker
Chief Generation Officer and Executive Vice President
Tim O’Connor is Executive Vice President and Chief Generation Officer for Xcel Energy in 2020. He is responsible for all generation assets within Xcel and its jurisdictions nuclear, fossil, hydro and renewables. Responsible for enterprise supply chain and commercial operations which include fuels and energy markets.
Mr. O’Connor was appointed Senior Vice President and Chief Nuclear Officer for Xcel Energy in 2012. He was responsible for the Xcel nuclear strategic direction, business plans, finance, and operations for the company. That includes corporate, the operations of the Monticello and Prairie Island nuclear generating plants, and the decommissioning and nuclear fuel storage. In June 2012, he was appointed Vice President of Corporate Engineering/Nuclear Regulatory Compliance and Licensing for the nuclear fleet after 5 years as Monticello site vice president.
Mr. O’Connor joined Xcel Energy in 2007 as Site Vice President at the Monticello plant. He has over 38 years of commercial nuclear experience with both boiling water and pressurized water reactors. During that period of time, Mr. O’Connor has held a variety of senior leadership and executive leadership positions in several utilities and sites and variety of complex situations. This also included a position with the Institute of Nuclear Power Operations (INPO) as a Nuclear Plant Evaluation Team Manager on a reverse loaned assignment. Mr. O’Connor received his mechanical engineering degree from Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI and has completed several executive business programs with the Chicago Kellogg School of Business and with GAP International.
He serves on the executive advisor group for the DOE/INL Nuclear Science and Technology areas, the Holtec Decommissioning Industry Advisory Group, NEI coalition of the Nuclear Strategic Industry Advisory Committee, NEI Chairman of the Industry High Level Waste Committee, USA Board of Directors and Terrestrial Energy Industry Advisory Committee. He also serves as a member of the Board of Directors for the Minneapolis St. Paul Jeremiah charitable organization for single mothers.
Last modified July 16, 2020, 2:16pm EDT
