Powering National Security: Bechtel’s Role in Nuclear Innovation

In this episode of NucleCast, host Adam Lowther speaks with Dena Volovar, president of Bechtel's Nuclear Security and Environment Global Business Unit. They discuss Bechtel's extensive role in national security, particularly in managing operations at NNSA labs, and the company's commitment to nuclear power as a sustainable energy solution. Dena shares insights on the challenges faced in nuclear facility management, the transition from private to public sector projects, and the future of nuclear engineering careers. The conversation highlights the importance of innovation and collaboration in the nuclear industry.

Dena Volovar is President of Bechtel’s Nuclear, Security & Environmental (NS&E) global business unit. She has more than 26 years
of experience in project management, operations, business development, and engineering. Her current portfolio includes the oversight of U.S. and allied government projects and nuclear power projects with missions focused on ensuring the world is cleaner, safer and more secure.
Bechtel’s NS&E global business unit encompasses all the company’s government contracts including work for the U.S. Department of Defense, the U.S. Department of Energy, and NASA, as well as nuclear power projects worldwide.

Prior to her current role, Dena served as Executive Vice President and General Manager of NS&E’s Environmental and Security business line. She managed oversight of government projects, operating sites, and national laboratories focused on nuclear security and nuclear waste
management for the U.S. Department of Energy. Previously, Dena served as the Manager of Functions for NS&E and was responsible for all of the people, processes, and execution in the areas of engineering, procurement, construction, startup and operations as well as their supporting functions. Dena has held leadership roles on a variety of projects, including project director of the National Nuclear Security Administration’s Uranium Processing Facility project, a multi-billion-dollar complex in Oak Ridge, Tennessee for processing highly enriched uranium for U.S. nuclear defense and naval nuclear propulsion. She also served as project manager of the Sabine Pass Liquified Natural Gas facility in Cameron Parish, Louisiana and operations manager for all of Bechtel’s nuclear operating plant services.

Dena was elected a Bechtel senior vice president in 2019. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Engineering from the University of Maryland and is a Project Management Professional. She is the chair of the Board of Visitors for the University of Maryland’s Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and an executive committee board member of the Nuclear Energy Institute.

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