The head of the company managing and operating the Savannah River Site is retiring.
Stuart MacVean, Savannah River Nuclear Solutions president and CEO since 2016, recently sent a letter informing employees of his intentions to retire in a few weeks.
MacVean said in a letter to the company's employees he thought he was joining Savannah River Nuclear Solutions for a two-year stint but added his work turned out to be much more and the "most humbling and gratifying" of his career.
He added Savannah River Nuclear Solutions has grown significantly. He cited increased production in the Tritium Enterprise, standing up three NNSA capital projects and making "unprecedented progress" on them, assuming responsibility for terminating the MOX project, helping Savannah River National Laboratory to establish itself as an independent entity, beginning the shipping of downblended plutonium from the site, maximizing spent fuel disposition and accelerating the closure of several areas on the site. He added the company has realized significant cost savings and improved its business practices.
"We have extended an initial 5-year contract to 19 years," MacVean continued. "Since I arrived, the company has changed dramatically, and an evolving workforce and knowledge transfer will be an ongoing challenge and opportunity. I’m very proud of our progress to build a regional apprenticeship program and other efforts to ensure a pipeline of people for SRS missions. You are an example for other Sites to follow."
He added he takes pride in Savannah River Nuclear Solutions' support to the American Heart Association, United Way and other charitable organizations.
"Although I’ll be around for a few more weeks, I bid a fond farewell and I leave with the confidence of knowing that SRNS’s future will be in the capable hands of this executive team and my successor, who will be named shortly," MacVean said. "This team has a proven track record and extensive industry experience and stands ready to take SRNS to the next level of performance through the remainder of the contract."
He adds he looks forward to spending more time with family, on his hobbies and traveling.
