The Tennessee Valley Authority has named Matt Rasmussen as its new chief nuclear officer, succeeding Tim Rausch, who is retiring after a 40-year career in the nuclear industry, according to a statement released by the federally owned electric utility on Wednesday.

In August 2025, Rasmussen assumed the duties of the CNO as part of the transition, and Rausch retired effective Sept. 30.

“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’s 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,” he said. “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.”

Leadership Transition

TVA said Rasmussen has more than 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.

Rasmussen said, “Nuclear leadership means more than maintaining excellence, it means strengthening performance today while building the foundation for tomorrow’s energy solutions.

“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,” he said. “I’m committed to fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement as we lead America’s energy independence.”

Rasmussen’s TVA Journey

An Alabama native, Rasmussen began his TVA career at the Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant in Athens, Alabama, in 2002, holding roles in engineering, operations and work management.

He later transitioned to Sequoyah Nuclear Plant in Soddy Daisy, 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.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Auburn University.