INPO chooses new leader

Thursday, 5 January 2012 Robert Willard has been selected as the next president and CEO of the Institute of Nuclear Power Operations (INPO). A former fighter pilot and commander of two nuclear-powered aircraft carriers, Willard is currently the Commander of US Pacific Command, Camp HM Smith, Hawaii. He will join INPO in early April 2012 and will assume his new duties upon the retirement of the current President and CEO, Jim Ellis, the following month. "We conducted an extensive search to find an individual who can continue the excellent tradition of industry leadership that Jim Ellis has provided during his seven-year career at INPO," said Mayo Shattuck, chairman of the INPO board. He added, "Admiral Willard's experience, nuclear background, and impressive career accomplishments make him well-suited to lead the Institute." INPO was set up after the Three Mile Island accident in 1979 to share operating experience and safety knowledge among US nuclear companies. It was supplemented by an international version - the World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO) - after the 1986 Chernobyl accident.