I also want to congratulate Marilyn Kray on her election as vice president/president-elect. Marilyn brings unique expertise to the position, and she is a welcome addition to our executive team. I am looking forward to working with Marilyn, Immediate Past President Bob Coward, Executive Director Bob Fine, the ANS staff, and our volunteer leaders as we continue to make progress on several strategic fronts.
At this point in time, we have many opportunities and several challenges as nuclear professionals, ranging from technical issues to economics, policy, and public acceptance. It is important that we have continuity in ANS leadership, especially on strategic issues, if we are to make significant contributions to the public dialogue on "all things nuclear." The Grand Challenges concept introduced in 2016 by then President Andy Klein was an excellent idea. During my presidency, I want the professional divisions to continue their efforts to achieve the goals they set. Bob Coward recognized that ANS needs to provide more value not only to our members, but also to potential new members, especially nuclear professionals in the utility industry and those in the early stages of their careers. In response to feedback from members, Bob worked with the Board of Directors to revise the ANS Strategic Plan, simplifying it and making it more relevant. I have asked Bob to continue to oversee these strategic priorities and develop actions for implementation, and he has agreed to do so.
I recognize that communication across the Society is less than optimal. I intend to use these columns as a way of informing the Society at large about the important work being done by our professional divisions and committees. Improving communications within the Society will add another dimension of value for our members and position ANS to become the preeminent advocate for nuclear in public and policy matters. I have asked Marilyn to pay special attention to our communication and outreach efforts and lend her expertise and insights in this important area. The Navigating Nuclear K-12 education program, an initiative of the ANS Center for Nuclear Science and Technology Information, is a bold communications initiative, inspiring all of us who see the long-term strategic value of having the public become much more knowledgeable about nuclear.
To be successful in the long term, we must view ourselves as "1ANS," which means finding ways to work together in a supportive and synergistic manner, as described in our Strategic Plan. To reinforce this, I will reach out to the local sections and student sections and establish two-way communication with our constituent groups on a continuing basis through the year. With all the communication tools we have today, it only makes sense to bring together our entire constituency.
Over the last decade and more, ANS has recognized the importance of investing in our future through the Young Members Group. We all understand the value of giving young members opportunities to participate in the governance of the Society. Now is the time to focus not only on the professional development of these young members, but also on developing future nuclear leaders. Within ANS, there are many leadership opportunities that would provide our young members with experience in a supportive environment. I will ask the professional divisions and committees to continue engaging with young members, and I plan to test-drive a few new ideas on leadership development.
There has been recent and growing interest in nuclear power technologies that can augment light-water reactor gigawatt-class systems, including small modular reactors (SMR), advanced reactors (also known as Generation IV reactors), and an emerging micro-reactor class. Nearly a decade ago, I cochaired an ANS Special Committee on SMRs with Phillip Moore, and this committee laid the foundation for the licensing and deployment of SMRs. Other organizations have already established working groups associated with advanced reactors, and it is time for ANS to be part of the national and global discussion. In my view, ANS is the only organization that can create venues for technology developers to present their designs in a credible, peer-reviewed manner. As such, I will be forming a Special Committee on Advanced Reactors. We can also add value by establishing codes and standards and advocating for this exciting new technology.
I eagerly embrace the challenge of leading our Society and supporting all of its diverse sectors. I know that ANS will outlive me, but I will give my all, and with your support and the support of the generations to come we will make ANS better and better every year.-John Kelly
Be sure to read the July Nuclear News president's profile - John Kelly: From Motor City to the Capital City