LEXINGTON, Ky. — Sean Schaub has been appointed executive director of the Kentucky Nuclear Energy Development Authority, according to an announcement by the University of Kentucky. Schaub, who recently guided Wyoming's expanding nuclear sector as nuclear industry coordinator for the Wyoming Energy Authority, brings deep expertise in nuclear energy development, economic policy and workforce strategy to lead the state agency into what officials believe is a critical moment for the nation's energy future.

KNEDA, established by the Kentucky General Assembly in 2024 and administratively attached to the University of Kentucky's Center for Applied Energy Research, serves as the commonwealth's nonregulatory state agency focused on nuclear energy development. The authority supports Kentucky's nuclear ecosystem through grants, workforce development, site readiness and community engagement initiatives aimed at strengthening the state's economy and positioning Kentucky as a competitive location for future nuclear investments.

Schaub's background uniquely positions him for the role. Before moving into state-level energy development, he worked in Wyoming's uranium sector with Cameco Resources, serving as a staff geologist and geology supervisor on uranium mining projects. He also has held leadership positions in manufacturing, supply chain management and project development. With a geology degree from the University of Wyoming, Schaub brings both technical knowledge and practical experience in the nuclear fuel cycle.

"Kentucky's nuclear ecosystem is ripe for development," Schaub said. "Many of the pieces are here already, in our industrial capabilities, workforce and research institutions. With no nuclear in the state but a lot surrounding it, I think there are really good opportunities, particularly in the manufacturing field and the fuel supply side of things." Schaub pointed to Kentucky's historic foundation in nuclear energy, including the Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant, as a cornerstone for future growth in the industry.

KNEDA's mission extends well beyond electricity generation. The authority focuses on nuclear technologies including radioisotopes, process heat applications and small modular reactors that can serve multiple sectors in Kentucky, from medicine and agriculture to transportation and manufacturing. In March, KNEDA awarded $8 million through its inaugural Nuclear Energy Development Grant Program to six organizations across the commonwealth, funding projects ranging from identifying small modular reactor sites to launching nuclear-focused STEM education in rural communities.

Rodney Andrews, director of the University of Kentucky's Center for Applied Energy Research and chair of KNEDA, praised Schaub's appointment. "Sean brings a valuable combination of technical knowledge, industry experience and state-level nuclear development expertise," Andrews said. "As KNEDA moves from its initial establishment into long-term implementation, his leadership will help strengthen Kentucky's efforts to grow a safe, collaborative and economically beneficial nuclear energy ecosystem."

Schaub emphasized that Kentucky's existing industrial base and skilled workforce provide a strong foundation for nuclear sector growth. "Kentucky has a base of highly skilled power plant operators and skilled trades. In a nuclear plant, a lot of those functions are very similar," he said. "Nuclear provides a great opportunity for jobs to stay in the region, and some growth there, too."