The Tennessee Valley Authority has named Matt Rasmussen as its new Chief Nuclear Officer, succeeding Tim Rausch, who is retiring after a distinguished 40-year career in the nuclear industry.
In August 2025, Rasmussen assumed the duties of the CNO as part of the transition, and Rausch retired effective September 30, 2025.
“Matt brings not only a wealth of nuclear expertise, but also the kind of determination and leadership that is critical to leading one of the nation's largest nuclear fleets,” said Don Moul, TVA President and CEO.
“From his start at Browns Ferry, fresh out of college, Matt’s journey is a testament to hard work, vision, and service. As TVA works quickly to power America’s future, I’m confident in his ability to lead with integrity and innovation. At the same time, we honor Tim Rausch’s extraordinary 40-year legacy – a tenure that has continued TVA’s pursuit of excellence.”
Rasmussen has over two decades of experience in commercial nuclear operations, with a proven track record in engineering, maintenance, work management, and operations at both boiling water reactor and pressurized water reactor facilities.
He most recently served as Senior Vice President, Nuclear Operations for TVA’s nuclear fleet.
“Nuclear leadership means more than maintaining excellence, it means strengthening performance today while building the foundation for tomorrow’s energy solutions,” said Rasmussen. “At TVA, we’re not just operating one of the nation’s safest and most reliable nuclear fleets; we’re advancing the next generation of nuclear energy technologies. I’m committed to fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement as we lead America’s energy independence.”
An Alabama native, Rasmussen began his TVA career at the Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant, Athens, Ala., in 2002, holding roles in engineering, operations, and work management. He later transitioned to Sequoyah Nuclear Plant, Soddy Daisy, Tenn., where he led the Maintenance organization before being promoted to Plant Manager and then Site Vice President in 2019. In 2020, he returned to Browns Ferry as Site Vice President, and in 2022, he moved to TVA’s Nuclear Fleet Center as Senior Vice President of Engineering and Operations Support.
Rasmussen holds a Senior Reactor Operator License, is a graduate of TVA’s Advanced Leadership Program, and completed the Institute of Nuclear Power Operations Senior Nuclear Plant Management Program and Senior Nuclear Executive Program. Rasmussen earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Auburn University.
"TVA is a leader in nuclear energy – advancing the development and deployment of small modular reactors while operating the third-largest nuclear fleet in the United States, which provides more than 40% of the electricity used by nearly 10 million people across the Tennessee Valley. TVA remains committed to delivering safe, reliable, and innovative nuclear energy to power the region and the future," it said.
