2025 PLENARY SESSIONS

Tim Kelly, Mayor

City of Chattanooga

Tim Kelly was elected mayor of Chattanooga in April 2021. Kelly grew up in Chattanooga and attended undergraduate school at Columbia University. Upon return to Chattanooga, Kelly expanded his family’s automotive dealership and launched several successful ventures of his own, including co-founding Chattanooga’s professional soccer club. He later earned his MBA from Emory University’s Goizueta School of Business. Kelly has always been active in the community, serving on boards for multiple nonprofits and even teaching as an adjunct professor at the University of Tennessee Chattanooga. Since being elected mayor, he has made great strides on his vision to create One Chattanooga – a city where every resident has the opportunity to thrive and prosper.

Mayor Kelly has continued and reinforced Chattanooga’s leadership and legacy as a sustainable city with advancements in waste diversion, transportation, reduced energy consumption, and improved equity and access for resources.  Chattanooga was recognized with the 2023 Governor’s Award for Excellence in Energy & Renewable Resources and was recently selected to be one of 25 cities selected by Bloomberg Philanthropies for its American Sustainable Cities Program.

David W. Salyers, P.E., Commissioner

Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation

David Salyers, P.E., was appointed Commissioner for the Tennessee Department of Environment by Gov. Bill Lee in January 2019. He previously served as Executive Director of the West Tennessee River Basin Authority for more than two decades where he was recognized as leading one of the most impactful, cost-effective agencies in state government. At WTRBA, Salyers was known for effective public-private partnerships, leveraging federal funding and advancing restoration techniques for streams and wetlands. 

As TDEC Commissioner, he has led implementation of record capital investment in the Tennessee State Park system and developed the TDEC Reimagined initiative to create flexible, accountable work arrangements to attract, engage and retain the highest performing employees in state government. Salyers represents the Administration and department on priority interagency efforts to improve natural resource management, rural economic development, and outdoor recreation opportunities in Tennessee. He has led high-level executive partnerships with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) on matters pertaining cleanup on the Oak Ridge Reservation and worked through a variety of multi-state issues with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Salyers has also been a strong advocate for advancing the electric vehicle ecosystem in Tennessee, from partnerships to expand fast-charging networks to the state’s leadership in EV manufacturing and supplier infrastructure.

Prior to his executive experience in state government, Salyers worked in the private sector for more than a decade as an engineer and manager. His career and experience have informed his approach that uses facts, science and a problem-solving mentality to create options that are valid, viable and fair to all involved. Salyers maintains registrations as a professional engineer and geologist. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Murray State and a master’s degree from Missouri University of Science and Technology.

Lt. Col. Robert W. Green, Nashville District Commander

United States Army Corps of Engineers

Lieutenant Colonel Robert W. Green assumed command of the Nashville District on June 16, 2023.  As Commander and District Engineer, Lt. Col. Green manages the water resources development and navigable waterways operations for the Cumberland and Tennessee River basins covering 59,000 square miles, with 42 field offices touching seven states and a work force of over 700 employees.  Before assuming command of the Nashville District, Lt. Col. Green served as the Deputy Commander of the Memphis District from June 2021 to June 2023. 

Lt. Col. Green was commissioned in 2005 as a Second Lieutenant in the Engineer Branch through the ROTC program at Michigan State University. His civilian education includes a Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Engineering Sciences from Michigan State University, a Master of Science degree in Civil Engineering from The University of Washington, and a Master of Science degree in Construction Management from Michigan State University. He holds his Professional Engineering License in the state of Michigan and is certified as an Associate Constructor from the American Institute of Constructors. His military education includes the Engineer Officer Basic Course, the Aviation Captains Career Course, and the Command and General Staff College.

Lt. Col. Green’s previous assignments include Platoon Leader for the Maintenance Platoon and Special Equipment Platoon; Construction Plans Officer, and Battalion Logistics Officer in the 864th Engineer Battalion, 555th Engineer Brigade at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington; Task Force Engineer and Company Commander in 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division at Fort Hood, Texas; Commander of the 34th Forward Engineering Support Team – Advance out of the Seattle USACE District; Division Engineer and Engineer Operations Officer for the 4th Infantry Division HQ at Fort Carson, Colorado. He served as the Battalion Operations Officer and Executive Officer for the 4th Engineer Battalion, 36th Engineer Brigade at Fort Carson, Colorado. LTC Green has deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan), Operation New Dawn (Iraq), Operation Spartan Shield (Kuwait), Operation Freedom Sentinel (Afghanistan), and Operation Resolute Support (Afghanistan).    

Lt. Col. Green’s awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal with oak leaf cluster, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Army Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster, the Navy Marine Corps Commendation Medal, the Coast Guard Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal with oak leaf cluster, the Joint Meritorious Unit Award with oak leaf cluster, the Meritorious Unit Commendation with two oak leaf clusters, the National Defense Service Medal, the Humanitarian Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Iraqi Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the NATO Service Medal, the Pathfinder Badge, and the Bronze Order of the de Fleury Medal.

Erik Olds, Director, Deputy Director

U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Oak Ridge Office of Environmental Management (OREM) in Oak Ridge

Erik Olds is the Deputy Manager for the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Oak Ridge Office of Environmental Management (OREM) in Oak Ridge. In this role, he oversees the daily operations needed to perform the organization’s environmental cleanup and stewardship, decontamination and decommissioning activities, waste processing and management, surveillance and maintenance programs, and procurement and contract functions.

Before his assignment as OREM Deputy Manager, Olds served as Communications Director for DOE’s Office of Environmental Management headquarters (EM-HQ), and previously as acting Chief of Staff for EM-HQ. 

Prior to his headquarters assignment, he was the Direct‐Feed Low‐Activity Waste deputy project integration manager for the Office of River Protection (ORP) at the Hanford Site in Washington. Olds has worked for DOE for more than 31 years, including more than 20 years in the EM program. Prior to his project integration manager role, Olds served as the Chief of Staff for both the Richland Operations Office and ORP at Hanford, as well as the ORP Director of Communications. Prior to working at Hanford, Olds worked in public affairs at the Yucca Mountain Project in Nevada.  Olds holds a bachelor’s degree in public relations and a master’s degree in communications studies from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

Jean-Luc Palayer, President & CEO

Orano USA

Jean-Luc Palayer is the Chief Executive Officer and President of Orano USA. Orano’s operations in the United States providing commercial and federal customers with global expertise in nuclear materials management. Jean-Luc is also serving as the interim President of TN Americas, an Orano USA subsidiary.

He oversees all five of Orano’s business units in the United States, including MCES for sales of uranium fuel, conversion, and enrichment services; Orano Decommissioning Services for dismantling nuclear facilities; TN Americas offering the full breadth of used nuclear fuel management (pool to pad, storage, transportation, and ISFSI management); Orano Med for the development of medical isotopes for targeted immunotherapy for fighting cancer; and Orano Federal Services supporting the development of advanced reactors and offering the full complement of engineering and technology to solve some of the more complex nuclear material processing, conditioning, and packaging for the U.S. Department of Energy.

With more than 20 years in the nuclear industry, Jean-Luc’s international leadership experience includes nuclear materials transportation and storage, front-end material production and deliveries, supply chain optimization, and industrial project development in the United States, Europe, and Asia.

He began his career in 1999 with COGEMA (now part of Orano). In 2007, Jean­ Luc was named Director of Business Analysis for AREVA Enrichment Services. In 2012, he served as Managing Director of AREVA Solar India and Vice-President of Operations for AREVA Solar Inc with the responsibility to lead construction projects in the United States and India. In 2015, he joined TN Americas (Orano TN) as Vice­ President of Global Supply Chain and then as Chief Operating Officer, leading the project management organization, the nuclear manufacturing plants, and the field service business line. Jean-Luc holds a Master of Engineering degree from Ecole des Mines and an Executive MBA from Georgetown University.

Ken Rueter, President & CEO

UCOR

Ken Rueter is President and Chief Executive Officer of UCOR, the Department of Energy’s (DOE) environmental cleanup prime contractor for the Oak Ridge Reservation. He leads a professional and skilled labor workforce of 2,500 on the $8.3 billion Oak Ridge Reservation Cleanup Contract.

Under the former ETTP contract, Ken guided and motivated a workforce of over 2,000 to perform work safely and efficiently, eliminating hazards and reducing environmental liability. Under Ken’s oversight, UCOR experienced an unmatched record of success, not only finishing major projects ahead of schedule and under budget, but doing so safely as demonstrated by DOE awarding UCOR Star status in its Voluntary Protection Program. In 2019, the National Safety Council recognized Ken’s personal commitment to safety and his philosophy of safety as a prerequisite to all work by naming him a CEO who “Gets It.” This prestigious designation is given to leaders who go above and beyond to protect employees on and off the job. Under his leadership, UCOR has opened a Mental Wellbeing Center to ensure employees have timely access to mental health resources.

Ken was the 2016 recipient of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers’ prestigious Management Division Award. In 2017, he was presented with the East Tennessee Economic Council Muddy Boot Award, recognizing his contributions to the Oak Ridge community.

Throughout his four decades of industry experience, Ken has led all aspects of site cleanup and remediation, radioactive waste treatment, and project integration, including construction, risk management, and cost and schedule development.

Ken previously served as President of Savannah River Remediation LLC and as Project Manager for the Savannah River Site Liquid Waste Project.

Earlier in his career, Ken served as Chief Operating Officer for the Hanford Tank Operations Contract in Washington State and as Director of Project Integration for Washington River Protection Solutions at DOE’s Hanford site. Ken is most proud of building investment-worthy enterprises that deliver more value to the customer for every dollar spent as well as instituting his shared governance model, which brings all stakeholders to the table to build equity and ownership in decision making.

Kevin McOmber, P.E., Regional Administrator

U.S. EPA Region 4

Kevin’s impressive 37-year career is distinguished by his dedication to community service and a deep commitment to environmental and municipal development. As a Professional Engineer (PE), he has led the design and execution of numerous large-scale public works projects across Georgia and the Southeast, focusing on sustainability, quality control, and cross-disciplinary collaboration. Notably, Kevin has been a trusted partner to local and state agencies, navigating complex permitting processes and fostering collaborative relationships that drive impactful outcomes. Prior to joining the EPA, Kevin served as Executive Vice President and National Community Practice Leader at CPL Architecture, Engineering, and Planning.