The Tennessee Valley Authority has a new Chief Nuclear Officer as Matt Rasmussen has been selected to fill in the position left vacant by retirement.
Rasmussen follows longtime CNO Tim Rausch, who is retiring after serving a 40-year career in the nuclear industry—his last day was Tuesday, giving the title officially over to Rasmussen, who assumed the duties of the position in August. Rasmussen himself brings 20-years of nuclear leadership experience to the position, most recently serving as TVA’s Senior Vice President of Nuclear Operations since 2024.
Rasmussen holds a Senior Reactor Operator License, is a graduate of TVA’s Advanced Leadership Program, and completed the Institute of Nuclear Power Operations Senior Nuclear Plant Management Program and Senior Nuclear Executive Program. He earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Auburn University.
Rasmussen says he intends to strengthen performance in the present, while expanding and growing nuclear technology and innovation into the future.
The TVA operates the third-largest nuclear fleet in the United States, proving roughly 40 percent of the electricity used by nearly 10 million people across the Tennessee Valley.
TVA President and CEO Don Moul says, “From his start at Browns Ferry, fresh out of college, Matt’s journey is a testament to hard work, vision, and service. As TVA works quickly to power America’s future, I’m confident in his ability to lead with integrity and innovation. At the same time, we honor Tim Rausch’s extraordinary 40-year legacy – a tenure that has continued TVA’s pursuit of excellence.”