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  • April 20 - 22, 2026
  • Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort and Spa
  • Santa Ana Pueblo, New Mexico
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The Clean Energy Association of New Mexico (CLEAN) thanks you for your support at  the Nuclear in New Mexico: Fueling the U.S. Nuclear Renaissance Conference, that washeld from April 20-22, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort and Spa on Santa Ana Pueblo, New Mexico. The conference hosted a series of general and technical sessions covering topics of importance to the uranium and nuclear energy sectors.

The conference featured panel presentations, keynote speakers and fireside chats along with technical and corporate presentations.

This year’s event also focused on the future of In-Situ Recovery (ISR) wellfield technology, the growing importance of nuclear development in New Mexico, and the value of cultural and educational exchange between stakeholders.

Please stay tuned for future updates and the opportunity to register for the 2nd annual Nuclear in New Mexico: Fueling the U.S. Nuclear Renaissance Conference.

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CLEAN provides education, awareness and innovative tools to support a strong and safe nuclear energy sector that is sensitive to the environment and communities in which we live and work.

Previous Agenda

  • Welcome Reception & Registration and Information Desk Opens 6:00 p.m
    Casual cocktail hour & Exhibitor poster boards and booth set-up.

    LOCATION: Tamaya Veranda
  • Day #1 Moderator: Janet Lee-Sheriff, President & Director, The Clean Energy Association of New Mexico

    Read Moderator Bio
    Ms. Sheriff brings 25 years of experience in the mineral extraction industry with a strong focus on strategic planning, community engagement and communications. She presently serves as the Chair and Chief Executive Officer of Verdera Energy Corp. and President and Director of Group 11 Technologies and The Clean Energy Association of New Mexico. From 2020 to 2024, she served as the Chief Communications Officer of enCore Energy Corp., having managed their brand and communications from a micro-cap company to a leading uranium producer in the United States. Ms. Sheriff led the world’s first on-site test of a solvent which replaced cyanide in the gold extraction process, resulting in the formation of Group 11. She was responsible for creating the SRU® (the Secondary Recovery Unit) which replaced the smelter process in the test process.

    Ms. Sheriff also established and presently owns the Yukon Mint®, which has created green gold coins with indigenous art to celebrate the local communities and artists. With a strong commitment to social responsibility and community engagement she has successfully negotiated and implemented socio-economic and exploration agreements with indigenous governments plus implemented numerous innovative programs, including the award-winning Elders-in-Residence Program, to ensure community involvement in corporate projects. She is responsible for developing the Yukon Mine Training Association, focused on aboriginal training, raising $20+ mm for training initiatives.

  • Registration and Information Desk Opens 8:00 a.m.

    Location: Outside entrance to Tamaya ABCD Hall

  • Be Pro Be Proud - Mobile Learning Truck 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

    Location: Back Parking Lot

  • Pueblo Welcome Greeting & Opening Prayer 10:00 a.m.

    Attendees will experience a traditional welcome and land acknowledgement by a tribal member in their native Keres language. The welcome recognizes the people of Tamaya, the land and their ancestral history.

  • Day #1 Moderator Welcome Remarks: 10:10 a.m.

    • Janet Lee-Sheriff, President and Director, The Clean Energy Association of New Mexico

  • The United States & Nuclear 10:15 a.m.

    Jon Indall, Senior Policy Advisory, Uranium Producers of America

    The Uranium Producers of America (“UPA”) was founded in 1985 to promote a sustainable and strong domestic uranium mining and conversion industry by fostering free and fair competition while being environmentally sensitive to the communities in which we live and work.  UPA believes for the United States to become energy independent and for national security reasons, it is vital that domestic uranium serves as a prominent and stable component of our country’s nuclear fuel supply.

  • Panel: Addressing the Past, Envisioning the Future: Stakeholder Dialogue on Legacy Uranium Impacts in New Mexico 10:30 a.m.

    • This session is hosted by INTERA Incorporated.
    • Moderator: Jennifer Hayden, President & Chief Executive Officer, National Museum of Nuclear Science & History
    • Panelists:
      • Stephen B. Etsitty, Executive Director, Navajo Nation Environmental Protection Agency
      • William Frazier, U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Office of Legacy Management (LM)
      • David (“D.J.”) Ennis, Program Manager, New Mexico’s Mining Act Reclamation Program
      • Ashley Arrossa, P.E., Senior Environmental Engineer, INTERA


    This moderated panel brings together perspectives from regulators, technical experts, industry, and community and Tribal representatives to explore what lessons from legacy uranium mining remain most relevant- and how they can inform responsible approaches to future extraction. Panelists will discuss ongoing challenges related to environmental remediation, groundwater protection, regulatory oversight, and community engagement, as well as areas where progress has been made. Followed by a Q&A session.

  • What’s New in New Mexico? 11:30 a.m.

    • Scott Lopez, Founder, New Mexico Nuclear Alliance

    This presentation will provide a legislative update from the last 30 day session and a brief overview of what’s new in New Mexico’s nuclear and advanced energy ecosystem, why the state is uniquely positioned to lead the next generation of energy innovation and emerging technologies like small modular reactors and microreactors and how they can provide reliable, affordable, carbon-free power for growing demands such as AI infrastructure, national security, and advanced manufacturing. The discussion will connect these developments to the economic opportunity and responsible leadership New Mexico can bring to America’s energy future.

  • Lunch Break 12:00 p.m.

    Location: Rio Grande Bar

  • Seminar: The Nuclear Fuel Cycle in New Mexico 1:00 p.m.

    • Moderator: James Israel Sr. Director, Business Planning, enCore Energy Corp.
    • Panelists:
      • Karen Radosevich, Senior Manager, Nuclear Fuels Supply, Entergy
      • Paul Lorskulsint, Chief Nuclear Officer, Urenco
      • Christopher Frankland, Director, Marketing & Sales, Nuclear Fuels Corporation
      • Kevin Loyens, Chief Commercial Officer, TAM International
      • Wayne Heili, Director, enCore Energy Corp.
      • Mahesh Goenka, Director Company, Old Economy

    A comprehensive seminar on the nuclear fuel cycle and its relevance to New Mexico. In this workshop, you’ll learn the status of the nuclear industry, and all stages of the nuclear cycle, from extraction of uranium and small modular reactors to waste management. The session will be led by industry experts, providing in-depth insights and practical perspectives.

  • Coffee Break 2:45 p.m.
  • Investing In New Mexico 3:00 p.m.

    • Craig Warren, Managing Director, Investment Banking, Cantor Fitzgerald Canada Corporation
    • William Sheriff, Executive Chair, Verdera Energy Corp.
    • Colin Healy, CEO, Premier American Uranium & Former Mining Research Analyst at Haywood Securities

  • Panel: Uranium In-Situ Recovery (ISR) 3:45 p.m.

      Panelists:
      • Craig Bartels, President & Chief Executive Officer, Grants Energy President, General Atomics Uranium Resources
      • Dain McCoig, Chief Operating Officer, enCore Energy Corp.
      • Ben Schiffer, Environmental Department Manager, WWC Engineering

    Today, ISR accounts for ~60% of global uranium production and offers alternate approaches to extraction of uranium with wellfield technology. The panel will explore the 50-year history of ISR and wellfield operations, with experts detailing current practices. A Q&A session will follow.

  • Wrap Up 4:30 p.m
  • Reception 6:00 p.m.

    Location: Hummingbird Garden

  • Day #2 Moderator: Daria Sayan, Director of Regulatory Affairs, Grants Energy

    Read Moderator Bio
    Mr. Sayan is Director of Regulatory Affairs at Grants Energy, responsible for developing and maintaining regulatory compliance programs across all levels of government. Prior to joining Grants Energy, Mr. Sayan spent over a decade in the aerospace industry, leading regulatory compliance, proposal development, negotiation, agreement structuring, and program management efforts. He holds a bachelor's degree in business and legal studies from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and a Masters of Business Administration from the University of Arizona.

  • Registration and Information Desk Opens 8:00 a.m.

    Location: Outside entrance to Tamaya ABCD Hall

  • Day #2 Moderator Welcome Remarks 8:30 a.m.

    • Daria Sayan, Director of Regulatory Affairs, Grants Energy

  • U.S. Nuclear Needs: The Demand for Uranium 8:40 a.m.

    • Karen Radosevich, Sr. Manager, Nuclear Fuels Supply, Entergy

    Entergy Corporation operates as an electric utility holding company serving millions of customers in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas through its regulated utility subsidiaries. Entergy's nuclear fleet of 5 reactors serves as the cornerstone of the utilities' clean energy generation portfolio. In this presentation, Ms. Radosevich explains how utilities view the nuclear resurgence, the importance of nuclear fuel to facilitate the resurgence, and the importance of New Mexico to nuclear fuel buyers.

  • Beyond Consultation: Traditional Tribal Engagement Drives Success 9:15 a.m

    • Scott Lathrop (yak titʸu titʸu yak tiłhini Tribe), Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Native Nuclear

    Native Nuclear CEO Scott Lathrop (yak titʸu titʸu yak tiłhini Tribe) will highlight a transformative shift in the way governments, organizations, and developers interact with Native American communities, emphasizing a move from superficial consultation to genuine, relationship-centered collaboration. It will delve into how today’s tribal consultation approaches often fall short by treating tribal input as a procedural checkbox instead of integrating it as a cornerstone of meaningful decision-making.

    Using real-world examples, the presentation sheds light on the importance of honoring tribal sovereignty and cultural knowledge as pathways to achieving more sustainable, equitable, and effective project outcomes. The presentation underscores that when tribal engagement is founded on trust, mutual respect, and shared authority, it not only enhances project outcomes but also supports resilience, cultural preservation, and the empowerment of communities—resulting in benefits for all stakeholders involved.

  • Coffee Break 10:00 a.m.

  • Fireside Chat: How Government is Shaping Nuclear Energy in New Mexico 10:15 a.m.

    • Meredith Dixon, State Representative, New Mexico House of Representatives
    • Jon Indall, Senior Policy Advisor, Uranium Producers of America

    In this fireside chat, Meredith Dixon and Jon Indall will discuss nuclear energy and the potential for New Mexico. Followed by a Q&A session.

  • Panel: Uranium In-Situ Recovery Site Visit in Nebraska 10:45 a.m.

    • Moderator: Charles Lundstrom, Manager, Community Engagement and Environmental Protection, Grants Energy
    • Panelists:
      • Andrew Valencia, City Manager, City of Grants
      • George Garcia Grants, New Mexico Resident
      • Stanley Michael San Mateo, New Mexico Resident

    In July 2025, New Mexico citizens and regulators travelled to an ISR site in Nebraska. Participants will outline their thoughts having walked through the site and share their observations. A Q&A session to follow.

  • From International Perspective to New Mexico Opportunity in Nuclear Energy 11:15 a.m.

    • Jean-Lucien Fonquergne, Research Engineer at the Petroleum Recovery Research Center (PRRC), New Mexico Tech

    This talk begins with an international perspective, including lessons from France on policy, fuel cycle management, and site reclamation. It then shows how New Mexico already has many of the key ingredients to develop nuclear power: uranium resources, technical expertise, national labs, and workforce. Finally, it places nuclear power within the state’s energy transition, focusing on reliability and decarbonization

  • Lunch 12:00 p.m.

    Location: Rio Grande Bar

  • The Potential of Uranium Deposits in New Mexico 1:30 p.m.

    • Brooke Clements, President, Chief Executive Officer & Director, North Shore Uranium Ltd.
    • Virginia T. McClemore, Lead Research Scientist at New Mexico Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources

    This presentation provides an overview of New Mexico’s uranium which have historically produced significant uranium and vanadium, while highlighting the presence of associated critical minerals and rare earth elements that underscore the state’s strategic importance to U.S. mineral security.

  • Community Lessons Learned Across the United States 2:00 p.m.

    Panelists:

    • Janet Lee-Sheriff, President & Director, The Clean Energy Association of New Mexico
    • Tim Richardson, Director of Government Affairs, Wildlife Forever
    • Hugo Berlanga, Consultant and Former Speaker Pro Tempore of the Texas House of Representatives
    • Dwight Dixon, Navajo Nation, Founder & CEO, Roan PRJ Services LLC

    Effective community work requires building trust through consistent presence, active listening, and empowering local residents rather than imposing top-down solutions. Key lessons include valuing local expertise, building trust, ensuring flexibility, fostering genuine partnerships over one-off initiatives, and focusing on relationship-building to create sustainable, lasting change.

  • Coffee Break 2:30 p.m.
  • Restoration of Groundwater; Protecting the Land, Water, Air and People 2:45 p.m.

    • Nathan Conroy, Radionuclide Geochemist, Los Alamos National Laboratory
    • Mark Pelizza, Director, Verdera Energy Corp.
    • Greg Ledingham, Los Alamos National Laboratory

  • Geology and Wellfields: What data do we need to make ISR a Success in New Mexico? 3:15 p.m.

    • Errol Lawrence, Senior Hydrogeologist and Professional Geologist, Engineering Analytics
    • Adelya Makhankova, Student, Stanford

    Successful application of in-situ recovery (ISR) mining for uranium is based on the hydraulic control of fluids in the subsurface. Numerical groundwater flow models are valuable tools for evaluating many aspects of ISR mines, including: feasibility studies, mine permitting, wellfield design and optimization, excursion detection and recovery, and aquifer restoration. Examples are presented.

  • Modernizing Uranium Remediation: Technology, Policy, and the Path to Domestic Supply Resilience 4:15 p.m.

    • Greyson Buckingham, Co-Founder, President, and Chief Executive Officer, Disa Technologies

    As the United States accelerates nuclear energy deployment, addressing the legacy of historic uranium mining is becoming both an environmental priority and a strategic opportunity. This presentation will explore emerging technologies and policy pathways that can help remediate abandoned uranium sites while strengthening the domestic nuclear fuel supply chain. Drawing on current projects across the Southwest, the session will highlight how modern mineral processing approaches, regulatory collaboration, and partnerships with Tribal Nations can transform legacy mine waste into part of the solution for America’s nuclear energy future.

  • Wrap Up 5:00 p.m.
  • Reception, Dinner & Fundraiser Sponsored by the Nuclear Energy Education Foundation 6:00 p.m.

    Location: Cottonwoods
    The Nuclear Energy Education Society provides financial resource and educational opportunities to high school, college and university students with a focus on trades and professions necessary for the In-Situ Recovery (“ISR”) uranium extraction process providing the fuel for nuclear energy.

  • Day #3 Moderator: Francie Lee, President of the Grants Cibola County Schools Board of Education

    Read Moderator Bio
    Francie Lee serves as President of the Grants Cibola County Schools Board of Education, where she leads efforts to expand career and technical education and align student pathways with New Mexico’s evolving workforce. A former elementary educator, she brings both classroom experience and governance leadership to advancing opportunities for students across rural communities.

    Lee also serves on the Cibola Communities Economic Development Foundation Board and remains actively engaged in youth, agricultural and community initiatives throughout the region. Raised in a family with a longstanding commitment to education in New Mexico, she brings a generational perspective to her work while focusing on the needs of today’s students and communities.

    Her perspective on energy and workforce development is informed not only by public leadership, but by direct, multi-generational ties to New Mexico land where uranium extraction has taken place—offering a grounded understanding of both the opportunities and responsibilities tied to resource development.

  • Registration and Information Desk Opens 8:00 a.m.

    Location: Outside entrance to Tamaya ABCD Hall

  • Day #3 Moderator Welcome Remarks 8:45 a.m.

    • Francie Lee, President of the Grants Cibola County Schools Board of Education /ul>

  • The Voices of the Future: A Call to Action 9:00 a.m.

    • Lane Widner, Superintendent of Schools-Grants Cibola County Schools
    • Olivia, Student, Grants-Cibola County School
    • Joel, Student, Grants-Cibola County School
    • Harry, Student, Grants-Cibola County School
    • Nolan, Student, Grants-Cibola County School

    This presentation will discuss New Mexico’s Career Technical Education(CTE) programs and how education on nuclear energy and research bring high quality, sustainable jobs to the community.

  • From Planning to Practice: Building New Mexico’s Energy Workforce 9:45 a.m.

    • Heather Stone, Energy & Infrastructure Program Coordinator, New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions

    This presentation will review the current employment landscape in Energy in New Mexico and opportunities in the nuclear sector as well as an overview of Executive Order 2024-152 and partnerships with other state agencies.

  • Coffee Break 10:15 a.m.
  • Building Nuclear Fluency: Educating the Future 10:30 a.m.

    • Gabriel Nemiroff, Director of Education, National Museum of Nuclear Science & History

    The National Museum of Nuclear Science & History in Albuquerque is the nation’s only congressionally charted Atomic Age museum. This session will highlight K-12 programs such as Nuclear and New Mexico, field trips, STEM events, etc. A Q&A session to follow.

  • Panel: Addressing Historic Legacy Issues and The Path Forward 11:00 a.m.

    Moderator: Janet Lee-Sheriff, President & Director, The Clean Energy Association of New Mexico
    Panelists

    • Greyson Buckingham, Co-Founder, President, and Chief Executive Officer, Disa Technologies, Inc.
    • Lynn Walter, New Mexico Lead, Mothers for Nuclear
    • Kristy Hartman, Senior Director, State Policy & External Affairs, Nuclear Energy Institute
    • Scott Lathrop (yak titʸu titʸu yak tiłhini Tribe), Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Native Nuclear

    As the United States accelerates nuclear energy deployment, addressing the legacy of historic uranium mining is becoming both an environmental priority and a strategic opportunity. This presentation will explore how modern mineral processing approaches, regulatory collaboration, and partnerships with Tribal Nations can transform into solutions for America’s nuclear energy future.

  • Closing Remarks 12:00 p.m.
  • Lunch 12:15 p.m.

    Location: Rio Grande Bar

Tamaya Activity Guide

Media

Previous Speakers

Jon Indall

Senior Policy Advisor, Uranium Producers of America

William Sheriff

Executive Chair, Verdera Energy Corp.

Janet Lee-Sheriff

President & Director, The Clean of Energy of New Mexico

Charles Lundstrom

Manager, Community Engagement and Environmental Protection, Grants Energy

Karen Radosevich

Senior Manager, Nuclear Fuels Supply, Entergy

Ali Jaffri, Ph.D.

Chief Executive Officer, Applied Stratigraphix LLC

Greyson Buckingham

Co-Founder, President & Chief Executive Officer (CEO), DISA Technologies

Scott Lopez

Founder, New Mexico Nuclear Alliance

Dain McCoig, PE

Chief Operating Officer, enCore Energy Corp.

Kristy Hartman

Senior Director of State Policy & External Affairs at the Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI)

Scott Lathrop (yak titʸu titʸu yak tiłhini Tribe)

Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Native Nuclear

Jennifer Hayden

President and CEO, National Museum of Nuclear Science & History

Nathan Conroy

Scientist, Los Alamos National Lab

Alex Reinhart

Associate Professor of Hydrology at New Mexico Tech

Francie Lee

President, Grants Cibola County Schools Board of Education

Meredith Dixon

State Representative, New Mexico House of Representatives

James Mercer

Grants, New Mexico Resident

Christopher Frankland

Director, Sales & Marketing General Atomics / Nuclear Fuels Corporation

Stephen B. Etsitty

Executive Director, Navajo Nation Environmental Protection Agency

David (“D.J.”) Ennis

Program Manager, New Mexico’s Mining Act Reclamation Program

Ashley Arrossa, P.E.

Senior Environmental Engineer, INTERA Incorporated

Mahesh Goenka

Director, Old Economy

Errol Lawrence, M.S., P.G.

Senior Hydrogeologist and Professional Geologist, Engineering Analytics, Inc.

Virginia T. McClemore

Lead Research Scientist at New Mexico Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources

Benjamin Russ, PhD

Senior Director, General Atomics Uranium Resources

Daria Sayan

Director of Regulatory Affairs, Grants Energy

Gabriel Nemiroff

Director of Education, National Museum of Nuclear Science & History

Ben Schiffer

Environmental Department Manager, WWC Engineering

James Isreal

Sr. Director, Business Planning, enCore Energy Corp

Kevin Loyens

TAM International, Chief Commercial Officer

Tim Richardson

Director of Government Affairs, Wildlife Forever

Craig Bartels

President & Chief Executive Officer, Grants Energy & President, General Atomics Uranium Resources

Brooke Clements

President, Chief Executive Officer & Director, North Shore Uranium Ltd.

Paul Lorskulsint

Chief Nuclear Officer, Urenco

Mark Pelizza

Director, Verdera Energy Corp.

Lynn Walter

New Mexico Lead, Mothers for Nuclear

Jean-Lucien Fonquergne

Research Engineer at the Petroleum Recovery Research Center (PRRC) at New Mexico Tech.

Wayne Heili

Director, encore Energy Corp.

Hugo Berlanga

Consultant and Former Speaker Pro Tempore of the Texas House of Representatives

Lane Widner

Superintendent of Schools-Grants Cibola County Schools

William Frazier

U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Office of Legacy Management (LM)

Greg Ledingham

Postdoc, Los Alamos National Lab

Heather Stone

Energy & Infrastructure Program Coordinator, New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions

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Conference Goal

The goal of Nuclear in New Mexico was to foster meaningful dialogue and collaboration around the future of nuclear energy in the Southwest. By bringing together industry leaders, regulators, tribal voices, and academic experts, the conference aimed to advance understanding of In-Situ Recovery (ISR) technology, highlight opportunities for responsible development, and create space for cultural and educational exchange. Together, we’re working to shape a cleaner, more inclusive energy future for New Mexico and beyond.

Presented By

The Clean Energy Association of New Mexico (CLEAN) is committed to advancing a safe, sustainable, and community-centered nuclear energy sector in New Mexico—grounded in the use of environmentally responsible In-Situ Recovery (ISR) for uranium extraction. Through education, outreach, and support for innovative technologies such as ISR, CLEAN works to create lasting environmental and economic benefits for local communities. Nuclear in New Mexico is a core part of that mission—bringing together stakeholders from across the state and beyond to share knowledge, elevate diverse perspectives, and help shape the future of clean energy in a way that honors New Mexico’s land, water, and people.
Our Vision

To position New Mexico as a leader in clean, responsible, and inclusive nuclear energy development—built on innovation, collaboration, and respect for culture and community.

Our Mission

To connect stakeholders across industry, government, tribal nations, and academia to advance sustainable nuclear technologies and policies that benefit all New Mexicans.

Our Motto

Innovation Rooted in Tradition: Clean Energy for New Mexico's Future

Conference Media Kit

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Official Logos

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Conference Materials & Agenda

Includes Speaker Bios, Conference Information and Overview

Educational Materials

Includes Factsheets, Flyers & News Releases

Contact Information:

Conference@cleannm.org or (505) 309-0261

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, all sessions were recorded and will be available to watch, please check back in the following weeks.

While we do not have a date yet, we had a lot of interest in the conference becoming annual, and we will reach out to all attendees if a date for next year is confirmed.

Have any questions?

We are excited to hear from you! Please send us an email and someone from the event team will get back to you shortly.

Email Support

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Code of Conduct

Jon Indall

Senior Policy Advisor, Uranium Producers of America

Mr. Indall has close to 40 years of experience in natural resources, environmental law, and administrative law, which has made a profound impact on these domains. A distinguished retired partner from the prestigious law firm of Maldegen, Templeman & Indall in Santa Fe, his practice encompassed intricate transactions, title work, permitting, and mining property acquisitions. Mr. Indall adeptly represented clients engaged in site remediation activities, including superfund sites.

A revered figure in the uranium mining industry, Mr. Indall has actively engaged in both representation and legislative activities, playing a role in shaping federal energy laws and policies, and currently serves as Senior Policy Advisor for the Uranium Producers of America. His representation portfolio spanned a diverse range of natural resource clients, including hardrock mining companies, natural gas pipeline entities, oil and gas supply firms, and water disposal companies. His impressive educational background includes a J.D. from the University of Kansas in 1974 and a B.A. from the same institution in 1971.

William Sheriff

Executive Chair, Verdea Energy Corp.

Mr. Sheriff is an entrepreneur and visionary with over 40 years of experience in the minerals industry and the securities industry. Mr. Sheriff was the founder and Executive Chairman of enCore Energy Corp. where he advanced the company from inception to a uranium producer with a multi-jurisdictional United States asset base. Mr. Sheriff has raised over $600 MM in the public markets and has extensive experience in mergers and acquisitions. A pioneer in the uranium renaissance, he co-founded and served as Chairman of Energy Metals Corp. compiling the largest domestic uranium resource base in U.S. history before the company was sold for $1.8 billion in 2007. 

Mr. Sheriff also has a significant interest in the gold exploration sector with personal and corporate gold exploration assets across the United States and Canada. Mr. Sheriff holds a B.Sc. degree (Geology) from Fort Lewis College, Colorado and an MSc in Mining Geology from the University of Texas-El Paso. He has compiled one of the largest privately held mining databases in the world, providing affiliated companies with access to proprietary technical information.

Janet Lee-Sheriff

President & Director, The Clean of Energy of New Mexico

Ms. Sheriff brings 25 years of experience in the mineral extraction industry with a strong focus on strategic planning, community engagement and communications. She presently serves as the Chair and Chief Executive Officer of Verdera Energy Corp. and President and Director of Group 11 Technologies and The Clean Energy Association of New Mexico. From 2020 to 2024, she served as the Chief Communications Officer of enCore Energy Corp., having managed their brand and communications from a micro-cap company to a leading uranium producer in the United States.

Ms. Sheriff led the world’s first on-site test of a solvent which replaced cyanide in the gold extraction process, resulting in the formation of Group 11. She was responsible for creating the SRU® (the Secondary Recovery Unit) which replaced the smelter process in the test process. Ms. Sheriff also established and presently owns the Yukon Mint®, which has created green gold coins with indigenous art to celebrate the local communities and artists. With a strong commitment to social responsibility and community engagement she has successfully negotiated and implemented socio-economic and exploration agreements with indigenous governments plus implemented numerous innovative programs, including the award-winning Elders-in-Residence Program, to ensure community involvement in corporate projects. She is responsible for developing the Yukon Mine Training Association, focused on aboriginal training, raising $20+ mm for training initiatives.

Charles Lundstrom

Manager, Community Engagement and Environmental Protection, Grants Energy

Charles Lundstrom is an Environmental Health and Safety professional and a native of Grants, New
Mexico. He is a retired state regulator with the New Mexico Environment Department, where he
dedicated his career to the protection of natural resources for the current and future citizens of New
Mexico.
 
He currently serves as Manager of Community Engagement and Environmental Protection for the Grants Project, where his work focuses on transparent public communication, regulatory
compliance, and responsible environmental stewardship in resource development activities.
 
Mr. Lundstrom is a Registered Certified Safety Professional (CSP) with extensive experience in environmental regulation, industrial safety, and public service. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from New Mexico State University and a Master of Science in Industrial Safety from Central Missouri State University.

He is the father of three sons and has volunteered for more than 15 years in youth sports within the Grants–Milan community, reflecting a strong commitment to service, mentorship, and community
well-being.

Karen Radosevich

Senior Manager, Nuclear Fuels Supply, Entergy

Karen Radosevich is the Senior Manager, Nuclear Fuels Supply for Entergy’s Nuclear organization. Her primary job responsibility is to procure enriched uranium for the Entergy fleet and to fully account for the costs. Prior to this, Ms. Radosevich worked for Entergy’s System Planning and Operations organization where she held leadership positions to support long-term generation planning for Entergy’s regulated utility companies.

Ali Jaffri, Ph.D.,

Chief Executive Officer, Applied Stratigraphix LLC

Ali Jaffri, Ph.D. is the CEO of Applied Stratigraphix LLC, and has twenty-six years of experience in geology projects in the US, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Pakistan, Mozambique, Angola, New Zealand, Norway, Denmark, Kazakhstan, and Mongolia. He holds a doctorate from Colorado State, a Master’s from Oklahoma State, a Bachelor’s from the University of Colorado, and a Professional Master’s in Mineral Exploration from the Colorado School of Mines.

He is currently consulting for IsoEnergy, Premier American Uranium, and Uranium Energy Corporation and has trained/provided consulting to over two thousand geologists and engineers from eighty-eight companies in twelve countries.

Greyson Buckingham

Co-Founder, President & Chief Executive Officer (CEO), DISA Technologies

Greyson Buckingham is the Co-Founder, President, and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of DISA Technologies, a venture-backed technology company redefining the future of mineral recovery and mine remediation. A military veteran, licensed attorney and experienced entrepreneur, Mr. Buckingham brings a unique blend of visionary leadership, policy expertise, and operational acumen to the helm of one of Wyoming’s most dynamic technology companies.
 
Since founding DISA in 2018, Mr. Buckingham has led the company from concept to commercial scale—growing the team to more than 60 employees, expanding field deployments globally and securing over $78 million in capital from institutional investors. Under his leadership, DISA has emerged as a national leader in deploying its patented High-Pressure Slurry Ablation (HPSA) platform to unlock critical minerals from both legacy waste and conventional ores, positioning the company at the forefront of U.S. energy security and environmental innovation.
 
Mr. Buckingham’s career spans public policy, energy and national service. Prior to founding DISA, he served as Director of Policy at Mesa Natural Gas Solutions, a T. Boone Pickens-backed firm focused on distributed generation in the oil and gas sector. He previously held roles on Capitol Hill, worked as a judicial extern for a U.S. District Court judge, and managed statewide field operations for a U.S. Senate campaign.
 
A retired Field Artillery officer in the Wyoming Army National Guard, Mr. Buckingham deployed in support of both Operation Spartan Shield and Operation Inherent Resolve. He is a recipient of the prestigious Theodore Roosevelt Leadership Award—presented to the top officers across the U.S. Armed Forces—and was recognized as a Distinguished Military Graduate of the ROTC Cowboy Battalion.
 
Mr. Buckingham holds a B.A. and M.A. from Georgetown University and earned both a J.D. and MBA in Energy Management from the University of Wyoming, graduating with honors. He is deeply committed to advancing solutions that benefit our nation’s energy future and serves on the boards of the University of Wyoming College of Arts and Sciences, Advance Casper and the Rotary Club of Casper. He is also an active alumni interviewer for Georgetown University.

Scott Lopez

Founder, New Mexico Nuclear Alliance

Scott Lopez is the Founder of the New Mexico Nuclear Alliance, a 501(c)(6) membership organization dedicated to advancing nuclear energy in New Mexico through thoughtful community engagement, economic development, advocacy, and smart policy. The Alliance works to position nuclear energy as part of a diversified and reliable energy portfolio for the state.

He also leads Vida Mejor Capital, where he oversees infrastructure and economic development initiatives that strengthen communities across New Mexico. Over the past several years, his work has focused on securing financing and advancing projects related to healthy food access, affordable and resilient energy systems, broadband expansion, and strategic sector convenings that bring together public and private stakeholders.

Dain McCoig, PE

Chief Operating Officer, enCore Energy Corp.

Mr. McCoig is a seasoned engineering and operations leader with over 18 years of experience in mining, mineral processing, and facility development. As Director of Operations at enCore Energy Corporation, he supported uranium recovery operations across engineering, geology, and regulatory functions—driving performance, cost-efficiency, and providing technical excellence. Serving as Senior Vice President since March 2025, Mr. McCoig demonstrated superior ability to lead the team to effectively and efficiently increase uranium extraction rates at the South Texas operations while expanding his role to oversee project development activities throughout the organization.

Previously, Mr. McCoig served as Vice President of Operations at Alabama Graphite Products, where he led the engineering, construction, and team development for a $200M battery-grade graphite facility. Prior to this, he held several leadership roles at URI, Inc., managing uranium production, site restoration, and early-stage project planning, while coordinating with regulators, landowners, and stakeholders.

A licensed Professional Engineer in Texas and Alabama, Dain holds a B.S. in Engineering from the Colorado School of Mines and is pursuing his MBA at Auburn University. He is actively involved in industry groups including SME and various mining associations.

Kristy Hartman

Senior Director of State Policy & External Affairs at the Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI)

Kristy Hartman is the Senior Director of State Policy & External Affairs at the Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI), where she leads the organization’s engagement with governors, state legislatures, public utility commissions, and key state stakeholders across the country. She oversees NEI’s state policy strategy and broader external affairs efforts, working to advance policies that support the nation’s existing nuclear fleet and enable deployment of next-generation nuclear technologies. Kristy joined NEI in 2021, focusing primarily on state regulatory affairs.

Prior to NEI, Kristy spent eight years at the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) where she served as the Energy Program Director within the Environment, Energy and Transportation Program. Kristy worked directly with state legislatures and researched regulatory and legislative trends related to fossil fuels, energy security, grid reliability, nuclear power, renewable energy and alternative fuels.

Earlier in her career, Kristy managed congressional affairs and appropriations issues for the U.S. Department of Energy and the National Nuclear Security Administration, and she served as a legislative aide in the North Carolina General Assembly. She holds a Master of Public Policy from the University of Michigan.

Scott Lathrop (yak titʸu titʸu yak tiłhini Tribe)

Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Native Nuclear

Scott Lathrop is an elder of yak titʸu titʸu yak tiłhini (ytt) Tribe and is the founder and CEO of Native Nuclear, a Native-led nonprofit that aims to connect tribal communities to opportunities in the nuclear energy sector. Scott has an established focus on building relationships between Native communities, the nuclear energy industry, and governmental leaders to ensure mutual benefit from the growing nuclear power sector. Scott is an alumnus of California State Polytechnic University San Luis Obispo and is a member of the university’s President’s Council of Advisors, the Diablo Canyon Decommissioning Engagement Panel, Cuesta College Foundation Board, and ytt Northern Chumash nonprofit. With decades of experience in community engagement, Scott leads Native Nuclear with firsthand tribal knowledge about nuclear development and is a national speaker on the inclusion of Indigenous perspectives in nuclear policy.

Scott established Native Nuclear with the mission to educate both general and tribal communities about the complete life cycle of nuclear power and combat fear of nuclear development with knowledge. He aims to highlight the minimal environmental impact of nuclear energy and emphasize its importance as the most viable alternative to replace fossil fuels.

Jennifer Hayden

President and CEO, National Museum of Nuclear Science & History

Jennifer Hayden is the President and CEO of the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History, located in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where she has worked for over 16 years. Jennifer has worked within the museum industry for 18 years and holds an undergraduate degree in Communications from Texas Tech University and a graduate degree in Museum Studies from the University of Oklahoma. After holding the positions of Deputy Director and Director of Communications at the Nuclear Museum, Jennifer stepped on as President and CEO in late 2022 to fulfill the executive leadership role for this Smithsonian Affiliated, congressionally chartered museum. Working alongside the museum’s staff, board of trustees, and volunteers, Jennifer aims for growth of this institution through the museum’s international initiative, Nuclear Science Week, its robust online archives from the Atomic Heritage Foundation, and through the inspiring exhibits, collections, and programs at the museum. She sits as the Chair of the Nuclear Science Week (NSW) International Steering Committee and works to bring NSW to people around the globe. It currently takes place in seven countries worldwide. Jennifer is also incredibly proud of her team at the Nuclear Museum, as they were named One of the Best Places to Work in Albuquerque, as well as Best Museum in Albuquerque in 20205. Jennifer is a member of U.S. Women in Nuclear, a graduate of Leadership Oklahoma City’s LOYAL program, and a graduate of Leadership Albuquerque. Jennifer is also a past recipient of Albuquerque’s Forty Under 40.

Nathan Conroy

Scientist, Los Alamos National Lab

Nate Conroy is a Radionuclide Geochemist at Los Alamos National Laboratory, where he specializes in the mechanisms governing radionuclide mobility in complex environmental systems. He is a recognized expert in uranium in-situ recovery (ISR), with prior experience developing novel lixiviant chemistries and restoration strategies to enhance ISR efficiency, selectivity, and environmental stewardship. Dr. Conroy’s work integrates laboratory experimentation with geochemical process modeling and a system-level understanding to better predict and control subsurface radionuclide behavior. His research continues to advance innovations in uranium ISR and restoration applications, with emphasis on reactive transport processes, fluid–rock interactions, and practical field implementation. He brings extensive field and laboratory experience and contributes to interdisciplinary efforts that bridge geochemistry, engineering, and applied environmental decision-making.

Alex Reinhart

Associate Professor of Hydrology at New Mexico Tech

Dr. Alex Rinehart is an associate professor of hydrology at New Mexico Tech. His current research spans applications of porous media — from soil hydrology to geothermal energy to hydrogeophysics and now to ISR. Prior to becoming a faculty member, he worked as a hydrogeologist at the New Mexico Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources, performing statewide to regional hydrogeological and geohazard risk assessments. Born and raised in New Mexico, he received his BS in mathematics from UNM, and his MS in hydrology and his PhD in Earth Science (Geophysics) from New Mexico Tech.

Francie Lee

President, Grants Cibola County Schools Board of Education

Francie Lee serves as President of the Grants Cibola County Schools Board of Education, where she leads efforts to expand career and technical education and align student pathways with New Mexico’s evolving workforce. A former elementary educator, she brings both classroom experience and governance leadership to advancing opportunities for students across rural communities.

Lee also serves on the Cibola Communities Economic Development Foundation Board and remains actively engaged in youth, agricultural and community initiatives throughout the region. Raised in a family with a longstanding commitment to education in New Mexico, she brings a generational perspective to her work while focusing on the needs of today’s students and communities.

Her perspective on energy and workforce development is informed not only by public leadership, but by direct, multi-generational ties to New Mexico land where uranium extraction has taken place—offering a grounded understanding of both the opportunities and responsibilities tied to resource development.

Meredith Dixon

State Representative, New Mexico House of Representatives

Meredith was first elected to the New Mexico House of Representatives in November 2020, where she represents House District 20 in southeast Albuquerque. Since 2023, she has served as Vice Chair of the House Appropriations and Finance Committee (HAFC), in addition to serving on the House Energy, Environment, and Natural Resources Committee.

Meredith is a leading architect of New Mexico’s innovation economy. Since joining the Legislature, she has helped passed more than a dozen laws to strategically diversify and decarbonize New Mexico’s economy, including legislation to establish the Technology and Innovation Division at the Economic Development Department, creating the Research, Development and Deployment Fund, and helping to secure more than $560 million in new investment across quantum computing, advanced energy, defense research, and workforce development during the 2025 and 2026 legislative sessions alone. Her energy and climate legislation encompasses the full supply chain, from creating the framework for carbon storage in New Mexico (HB 458, 2025) to driving demand for low-emissions industrial materials through this session’s Low-Carbon Construction Materials Rebate Act (HB 153). In prior sessions, she passed legislation creating the New Mexico Opportunity Enterprise Fund, the Venture Capital Investment Fund, the New Mexico Match Fund, and the Site-Readiness Program and Fund.

Meredith continues to work to address the root causes of crime and make Albuquerque a safer place to live while ensuring law enforcement has the resources they need to serve our communities. She authored legislation targeting chop shops and vehicle theft networks, strengthened penalties for retail crime, supported directing historic funding for behavioral health and housing, and created and secured funding for a statewide law enforcement recruitment and retention fund which helps New Mexico’s communities attract and keep the officers they need.

She chairs the Legislative Finance Committee subcommittee on child welfare and early childhood, and has championed child well-being throughout her tenure. She helped secure $60 million in funding for the early childhood educator wage and career ladder, and carried an amendment to SB 241 to create fiscal guardrails ensuring the long-term sustainability of New Mexico’s universal childcare program. She also sponsored 2025 legislation to hold CYFD accountable for data retention and improve oversight of children in state care.

She serves as board Chair for NM Women Lead and founded the “Building an Advanced Energy Ecosystem in New Mexico” conference, which brings together the national laboratories, clean-tech start-ups, energy companies, academics, environmental advocates and policymakers to shape the future of energy and climate technology in New Mexico.

James Mercer

Grants, New Mexico Resident

James Mercer was born and raised in the Grants & Milan area. James has continued to live in the area through the up’s and down’s of the uranium belt. He has a good understanding of the industry and the possibilities it can provide for the local economy and the residents of the area. His Parents moved to the Grants area from Colorado in 1960 for his father to work in the local mines. James has worked many different jobs in and around Grants-Milan.   Also serving in an elected position within his community. To get a better understanding of the modern extraction methods, he recently was a guest on a visit to the Crow Butte in-situ recovery (ISR) facility in Nebraska, observing firsthand how modern technology goes hand in hand with the environment and local agriculture.

Christopher Frankland

Director, Sales & Marketing General Atomics / Nuclear Fuels Corporation

Chris Frankland has over 25 years’ experience across the front-end fuel cycle, from enrichment, conversion, uranium trading, and now representing General Atomics’ uranium business. Chris entered the industry as market analyst at USEC (now Centrus), later charged with leading customer account and commercial management at USEC. Chris held multiple roles at UF6 conversion company ConverDyn from uranium logistics manager, oversight for UF6 conversion sales in Europe, and finally Vice President of Sales. Chris later joined Rio Tinto Uranium (RTU) as sales director for North America, overseeing sales and contracting from both Rössing (Namibia) and ERA (Australia) during RTU’s time as the world’s largest uranium producer.

In his current role, Chris is the Director of commercial activities for Nuclear Fuels Corporation, an affiliate of General Atomics (GA). In this role, Chris secures uranium supply contracts and acts as business development lead across all global markets on behalf of: Heathgate Resources (Australia), Quasar Resources (Australia), and future production from Grants Energy (New Mexico, USA). Chris just completed a two-term role as elected Chair of the World Nuclear Association Uranium Working Group, leading the member-driven effort to produce the bi-annual Nuclear Fuel Market Report, as well as representing his company on other industry-affiliated Boards.

Stephen B. Etsitty

Executive Director, Navajo Nation Environmental Protection Agency

Stephen B. Etsitty is the Executive Director of the Navajo Nation Environmental Protection Agency. Mr. Etsitty was appointed by Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren in January 2023, and he was confirmed to his post by the Navajo Nation Council on April 21, 2023. Mr. Etsitty previously served in this post from 2003 to 2015. From 1982 to 2000 he served the U.S. EPA, 5 years in Region 9 and 3 years in Headquarters in Washington, DC.

David (“D.J.”) Ennis

Program Manager, New Mexico’s Mining Act Reclamation Program

David (“D.J.”) Ennis serves as the Program Manager for New Mexico’s Mining Act Reclamation Program, overseeing the regulation of active hardrock mining and exploration across the state. His program also includes a dedicated uranium reclamation coordinator and plays a central role in statewide and federal collaborations focused on planning and addressing legacy uranium cleanup sites. With 16 years of experience in the Mining Act Reclamation Program and an additional 15 years in environmental consulting and regulatory compliance across multiple states, D.J. brings more than three decades of technical and managerial expertise to his work. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Geology and a master’s degree in Geochemistry from the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology. He lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Ashley Arrossa, P.E.

Senior Environmental Engineer, INTERA Incorporated

Ashley Arrossa, P.E. is a Senior Environmental Engineer at INTERA, based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, with 15 years of experience in uranium mine characterization, reclamation, and cleanup. She manages complex projects across New Mexico, including cleanup of an Abandoned Uranium Mine for the New Mexico Office of Strategic Initiatives under the New Mexico Environment Department and characterization and post closure projects involving multi agency coordination, groundwater and erosion monitoring, mitigation, and permit release support. Ashley holds a B.S. in Environmental Engineering from the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology and is a registered professional engineer in the state of New Mexico.

Mahesh Goenka

Director, Old Economy

Mahesh is Director at Old Economy in Singapore, where he supports clients in the mining & metals sector on strategic, commercial, capital allocation and due diligence topics.

Since September last year, Mahesh runs the management consultancy firm Old Economy, which has tier-I uranium producers, utilities and financial firms as clients. His views have been quoted by various reputed media houses, including CNBC.
Mahesh recently presented at the Uranium Conference in Swakopmund, Namibia.

Errol Lawrence, M.S., P.G.

Senior Hydrogeologist and Professional Geologist, Engineering Analytics, Inc.

Mr. Errol P. Lawrence is a Senior Hydrogeologist with Engineering Analytics. He is licensed as a professional geologist in Texas and Wyoming.  Mr. Lawrence has over 45 years of experience with the successful application of geology, hydrogeology and environmental science to mineral resource development and groundwater characterization and remediation. His focus over the past twenty-five years has been on the development and application of numerical and analytical groundwater models to address environmental and hydrologic issues related to mine permitting, resource recovery optimization, and groundwater restoration and monitoring, with an emphasis on the uranium mining industry. His experience includes assessment of uranium insitu recovery in the United States, Canada, Turkey, Kazakhstan and Paraguay.

Virginia T. McClemore

Lead Research Scientist at New Mexico Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources

Ginger is the Lead Research Scientist at New Mexico Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources, division of New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology. She was hired in 1980. She is an economic geologist and holds B.S. degrees in Geology and Geophysics (1977), M.S. degree in Geology (1980) from New Mexico Tech and Ph.D. in Geoscience from University of Texas at El Paso (1993).

Ginger studies New Mexico’s mineral resources (including uranium resources) including how these minerals form, exploring for new resources, how to mine these resources and how to reclaim sites after mining. McLemore has written over 400 publications. She is an adjunct professor at New Mexico Tech. Ginger was inducted into the New Mexico Mining Hall of Fame (2023) in recognition of working with the mining industry.

Benjamin Russ, PhD

Senior Director, General Atomics Uranium Resources

Dr. Benjmain Russ is a Senior Director for General Atomics Uranium Resources, responsible for technology and business development in support of expanding the domestic supply chain for critical materials. In this role he is leading the Grants Precision ISR project, which will establish a domestic supply capability of uranium for the U.S. power reactor market utilizing in-situ recovery techniques.  Dr. Russ holds B.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Chemical Engineering from the University of California, Davis and University of California, San Diego respectively.
 
Dr. Russ has over 25 years of experience in novel, clean-energy chemical process development, including commercially relevant demonstrations of rare earth elements (REE) processing and separation technologies, medical radioisotope production, and large-scale thermochemical hydrogen production. Dr. Russ’ work has focused on achieving environmentally friendly, sustainable processes in support of re-establishing domestic capabilities across a wide range of critical industries.

Daria Sayan

Director of Regulatory Affairs, Grants Energy

Mr. Sayan is Director of Regulatory Affairs at Grants Energy, responsible for developing and maintaining regulatory compliance programs across all levels of government. Prior to joining Grants Energy, Mr. Sayan spent over a decade in the aerospace industry, leading regulatory compliance, proposal development, negotiation, agreement structuring, and program management efforts. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business and legal studies from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and a Masters of Business Administration from the University of Arizona.

Gabriel Nemiroff

Director of Education, National Museum of Nuclear Science & History

Gabriel Nemiroff is originally from the Washington, D.C. area and has called New Mexico home since 2002. He holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Rutgers University and a Master’s degree in Secondary Education from the University of New Mexico. Following 15 years in public education, Gabriel was named Director of Education in 2024 at the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History, where he oversees all education programs and initiatives, including field trips, school outreach, and public events. During his tenure, the museum has launched several major education initiatives, expanded partnerships with schools and districts statewide, and earned multiple recognitions for excellence, most recently the 2025 Award for Excellence in Educational Programming from the Mountain Plains Museum Association.

Ben Schiffer

Environmental Department Manager, WWC Engineering

Born and raised in the Powder River Basin of Wyoming, Mr. Schiffer has been practicing geology since 1995 after graduating from Whitman College. Mr. Schiffer has worked in the mining and energy sectors for the majority of his career. Mr. Schiffer has authored numerous uranium resource reports and has led the teams permitting all aspects of uranium in-situ recovery (ISR) at both state and federal levels in Wyoming, South Dakota, New Mexico and Texas. This permitting includes NRC licensing, state permitting, wellfield authorizations, and the first authorization to use low pH lixiviant for commercial purposes in Wyoming. Beyond uranium ISR, Mr. Schiffer has provided expert witness testimony in numerous hearings focused on oil and gas development. He is a past director on the Board of WWC Engineering and currently serves on the Wyoming State Geological Survey Advisory Board. Outside of work, Mr. Schiffer skis in the winter, maintains the family cabin in the summer and operates his family ranch with his wife and twin boys year round.

James Isreal

Sr. Director, Business Planning, enCore Energy Corp

James Israel is currently the Sr. Director, Business Planning and Fuel Marketing for enCore Energy and has a background in procuring uranium for the largest domestic nuclear utility. With over thirty-five years of experience in uranium production, conversion, and enrichment, Mr. Israel provides valuable insight and education on the nuclear fuel cycle with well-rounded knowledge of issues facing both front-end primary producers along with a utility prospective.

Kevin Loyens

TAM International, Chief Commercial Officer

Kevin Loyens is the Chief Commercial Officer at TAM International, a role he has held since 2019. He leads the company’s commercial and business development efforts across a diverse range of industries, including nuclear, rare earths, medical isotopes, and low-level waste. A key focus of Kevin’s role is to diversify TAM’s industry portfolio, working closely with customers and other stakeholders to identify the most suitable transportation solutions and setting the strategic direction of the company.
Born in Belgium, Kevin holds a Master’s degree in Sinology from the University of Leuven and a Master’s degree in International Marketing Management from the University of Limburg. With over 20 years of experience in international shipping and logistics, his career has spanned multiple continents and sectors.

In 2005, Kevin moved to China, where he became General Manager of Kerry-TALKE Chemical Logistics, a specialized logistics group focused on chemical and petrochemical materials. In 2012, he relocated to Canada, working for the Government of British Columbia in the Ministry of International Trade before joining TAM in 2015.

Kevin currently lives in Vancouver with his wife and two sons, and brings a global perspective, deep industry expertise, and a strong commitment to community engagement to his leadership at TAM.

Tim Richardson

Director of Government Affairs, Wildlife Forever

Tim Richardson is the Director of Government Affairs for Wildlife Forever, a conservation charity and is a multi-client consultant and lobbyist based in Washington, DC with thirty-six years of experience in precedent setting conservation transactions and public policy.

Among projects Richardson has worked on are helping 14 Alaska Native corporations and two tribes during Exxon Valdez restoration in the Kodiak Archipelago and Prince William Sound. Those projects netted Native corporations over $300 million of the Exxon $1 billion settlement while setting the record for National Wildlife Refuge System expansion and developing the first forest carbon crediting project in Alaska.

In the late 1990s and early 2000s Tim assisted Mississippi River flood prone landowners and farmers receive $26 million in payouts from state and federal agencies by selling marginal cropland to create national forest, national wildlife refuge, state park and wildlife management areas.

In the aftermath of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill Tim has helped Texas coastal counties, cities, NGOs and river authorities receive over $250 million for vital coastal wetland conservation and water quality improvements.

Prior to these career achievements, Richardson worked for Texas’ U.S. Senator Lloyd Bentsen and Congressman Greg Laughlin following eight years as a political newsletter publisher and freelance journalist. Richardson earned a BA in philosophy at Michigan State University and taught a Miami University in Oxford Ohio.

Craig Bartels

President & Chief Executive Officer, Grants Energy & President, General Atomics Uranium Resources

Mr. Bartels is President and CEO of Grants Energy and President of General Atomics Uranium Resources. He has worked in ISR (uranium and copper) for 45 years with various companies and has been involved in all aspects of ISR during that time (wellfield design and operation, resource estimation, process facilities design and operation, company management). He was previously President of General Atomics affiliate, Heathgate Resources Pty Ltd in Australia, which owns and operates the Beverley uranium ISR operation, and is operator of the Four Mile ISR Project. Mr. Bartels also sits on the Board of Directors for Rare Element Resources which is developing the Bear Lodge Project to establish a domestic source of rare earth materials.

Brooke Clements

President, Chief Executive Officer & Director, North Shore Uranium Ltd.

Brooke Clements, President, CEO and a director of North Shore Uranium Ltd.,   is a mining executive and geologist with over 40 years of mining industry experience. He is a Founder of North Shore Uranium and has guided the company  since its inception as a private company in 2021. North Shore is focused on uranium exploration in the Grants Uranium District of New Mexico with its Rio Puerco project and the Athabasca Basin region in Saskatchewan. Previous industry positions include President of Peregrine Diamonds, Senior Vice President of Peregrine Metals Peregrine Metals and VP Exploration at Ashton Mining of Canada. Brooke received the AMEBC Hugo Dummett award for diamond discoveries twice (2010 and 2018) and the PDAC Bill Dennis award for a Canadian discovery (2019). Peregrine Metals was sold to Stillwater Mining for US$487M in 2011 principally for its Altar copper project in Argentina.

Paul Lorskulsint

Chief Nuclear Officer, Urenco

Paul serves as the Chief Nuclear Officer for Urenco USA (UUSA). Located just outside of Eunice, New Mexico. UUSA enriches uranium for commercial nuclear reactors for US and international customers and serves as the only centrifuge-based operational facility in North America. Paul is responsible for the nuclear safety, industrial safety and security of the UUSA facility. He ensures the plant is in compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements and the facility license.

Paul has served in a number of positions at UUSA which include, Compliance Manager, Deputy Compliance Manager, Head of Supply Chain Execution, Chief of Staff, Logistics Manager, Operations Support Manager, and Shift Manager. Prior to joining UUSA, Paul worked at Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory where he was responsible for shift operations of a submarine prototype to train US Navy personnel on the routine operations and maintenance of a submarine engine room.

Paul holds a Master of Business Administration in Strategic Management from Temple University and has a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of California. Additionally, he serves on the boards of the World Nuclear University Alumni and New Horizons Foundation and is a member of the Berkeley Innovation Forum.

Mark Pelizza

Director, Verdera Energy Corp.

Mr. Pelizza has spent 48 years in the uranium industry with direct project experience including the Alta Mesa, Benavides, Kingsville Dome, Longoria, Palangana, Rosita, West Cole and the Vasquez projects, all in Texas. He was also responsible for the permitting and licensing of the Church Rock, Crownpoint and Unit 1 projects in New Mexico and the North Platte project in Wyoming.

Mr. Pelizza is a Director for enCore Energy Corp., an In-Situ Recovery uranium producer, where his tenure spans from 2014 to present. There his roles include Lead Director, Chair of the Compensation Committee, Chair of the Sustainability Committee and a previous member of the Audit Committee. He is also the Principal of M.S. Pelizza & Associates LLC where he serves clients in the extractive industries.

He previously served as Sr. Vice President of Health, Safety and Environmental Affairs with Uranium Resource, Inc and before that worked with Union Carbide Corp. Mr. Pelizza received his B.S. in Geology, Fort Lewis College and his M.S. in Geological Engineering from the Colorado School of Mines. He is a licensed Professional Geoscientist in Texas, a Certified Professional Geologist by the American Institute of Professional Geologists, and a Qualified Person under NI 43-101. He is the Past Chairman of the Texas Mining and Reclamation Association and the Past President of the Uranium Producers of America.

Lynn Walter

New Mexico Lead, Mothers for Nuclear

Lynn Walter is part of the non-profit organization called Mothers for Nuclear. This organization was founded in 2016 in California to inspire and communicate with communities about the human aspects of nuclear electricity generation.  The organization seeks to understand human concerns with the nuclear fuel cycle including siting, mining, transporting, operating reactors, and securing used fuel.  Mothers for Nuclear launched a successful environmental campaign in support of continued production of clean nuclear energy at the California Diablo Canyon Plant. Since then, the organization has expanded its reach worldwide and is active with other partners in the desire to listen and relate stories about nuclear energy – power generation that supports both people and the planet.

Retiring as president of a small company that provided consulting services in the area of commercial nuclear plant design, safety and training, Lynn moved to the state of New Mexico in 2021 to fulfill a personal dream of living in the high desert.  Previously she held various technical and leadership positions at Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a California utility. Throughout her over forty-year career in the nuclear field she worked for several engineering and nuclear plant construction companies.  Lynn has a degree in mechanical engineering from the University of California at Davis and was a registered professional engineer in the state of California.  During her career she held a Senior Operator License Certificate from the Diablo Canyon Power Plant.  A quote from Lynn: “I joined the Mothers for Nuclear organization because I believe that nuclear power has an important place in our future, and women have a role in ensuring that future for the next generations.”  mothersfornuclear.org

Jean-Lucien Fonquergne

Research Engineer at the Petroleum Recovery Research Center (PRRC) at New Mexico Tech.

Jean-Lucien Fonquergne is a Research Engineer at the Petroleum Recovery Research Center (PRRC) at New Mexico Tech. He holds dual master’s degrees: one in Mining Engineering and Management from the École des Mines d’Alès, France, and one in Exploration and Reservoir Geology from the University of Montpellier, France.

Jean-Lucien brings five years of experience in the global mining industry, where he progressed from engineering intern to mine manager, followed by five years at PRRC focused on applied energy research, technical outreach, workforce development, and sustainable energy initiatives. He conducts technical studies and has led multiple state and federal supported, million-dollar projects focused on New Mexico’s energy transition. He currently plays a leading role in the development of a Comprehensive Energy Transition Strategy for New Mexico, including the design of statewide data platforms, emissions accounting frameworks, and decision-support tools.

His first work was with Areva (now Orano), where he worked on uranium mine tailings remediation, launching a career at the intersection of subsurface engineering, resource development, and environmental stewardship. His broader work spans multidisciplinary efforts in carbon capture and sequestration, industrial decarbonization, geothermal energy, produced water, critical minerals, and oil and gas.

He is also actively involved in building partnerships across government, academia, industry, and communities, and he initiated the New Mexico Energy Initiatives (NMEI) Consortium to strengthen collaboration around energy research, policy, and innovation in New Mexico.

Wayne Heili

Director, encore Energy Corp.

Mr. Heili is a metallurgical engineer specializing in uranium recovery throughout his 35+ year professional career. Starting out in South Texas and later moving to Wyoming, Mr. Heili has held technical, managerial and senior executive roles in both major corporate and junior development uranium production companies. He served as Vice President of Mining and later as Chief Executive Officer of Ur-Energy Inc. as it advanced projects from conception to production. Mr. Heili most recently served as the Chief Executive Officer of Peninsula Energy Limited as it successfully overcame a number of challenges in bringing the Lance Project in Wyoming to production status in 2025.

In a corporate capacity, Mr. Heili has successfully led teams charged with new project development, regulatory affairs, uranium marketing and investor relations campaigns. He served as an Executive Director of both Ur-Energy Inc. and Peninsula Energy Limited as well as holding Board of Directors position with the Uranium Producers of America, the Wyoming Mining Association and numerous community non-profit organizations.

Hugo Berlanga

Consultant and Former Speaker Pro Tempore of the Texas House of Representatives

Hugo Berlanga specializes in providing services in alternative energy resources, health care, transportation, telecommunications, state municipalities and county government.  Using his legislative experience, Hugo Berlanga assists his clients in developing a legislative and regulatory agenda, which will allow them to compete and grow, as well as lobby for the preservation of laws appropriate to his client’s agenda.

As a State Representative to the Texas House of Representatives for the 34th District, Chairman Berlanga focused on issues relating to health care, the environment and municipalities.

Throughout his legislative career, Berlanga has championed legislation to protect our environment and improve health care.  In 1985 he played a key role in persuading House Speaker Gib Lewis to cast the deciding vote for passage of the indigent health care bill, which increased access to prenatal care for Texas women.  He was the sponsor of the Oil Spill Prevention and Retention Act of 1991.  He also sponsored and won legislation credited with conserving the redfish population and promotion of strong mariculture management programs.

Lane Widner

Superintendent of Schools-Grants Cibola County Schools

Lane Widner is the Superintendent of Grants Cibola County Schools, serving diverse communities across Cibola County. A fourth-generation New Mexican, Widner has dedicated his career to expanding educational opportunity, with a strong emphasis on Career and Technical Education (CTE) and student development. He began his career as an agricultural education teacher and FFA advisor, serving in that role for the first eight years of his career, before advancing through positions as a principal, assistant superintendent, and Career and Technical Education Director. He assumed the superintendency in 2023 after previously serving as principal of Grants High School and holding key roles across New Mexico’s public education system.

William Frazier

U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Office of Legacy Management (LM)

William Frazier (Bill) currently works at the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Office of Legacy Management (LM) in Grand Junction, Colorado. William graduated from the University of Colorado and is a Registered Professional Engineer (PE) in Civil Engineering.  He is a Persian Gulf War Navy Veteran and member of the Navajo Tribe.  He has worked as a private consultant, municipal city engineer, facilities engineer, and now a Site Manager at the DOE Office in Grand Junction.  He is also the UMTRCA Title I Program Manager for DOE-LM.

Greg Ledingham

Postdoc, Los Alamos National Lab

Greg Ledingham is a currently postdoc at Los Alamos National Lab where he studies a number of topics related to ISR, including the reactive transport of uranium during recovery, real-time measurement of uranium using UV-Vis, and geostatistical approaches to calculating baseline averages.

Heather Stone

Energy & Infrastructure Program Coordinator, New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions

Heather Stone serves as the Energy & Infrastructure Program Coordinator for the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions with 10 years of experience in energy efficiency project management. Heather helps drive the development and modernization of skilled career pathways within the state’s evolving energy sector. Focused on aligning workforce initiatives with clean energy goals, Heather bridges the gap between technical teams and external stakeholders in a diverse network of employers, educational institutions, tribal communities, workforce boards, and other state partners to support a variety of work-based learning and on-the-job training programs.

With a commitment to building a resilient local workforce, she manages strategic partnerships to foster collaborations that prepare New Mexicans for high-demand jobs in broadband, infrastructure, and renewable energy. Heather is passionate about creating sustainable economic opportunities that enhance worker prosperity and support New Mexico’s infrastructure and clean energy development.