Sean Schaub appointed executive director of KNEDA

Kentucky continues to strengthen its leadership in next-generation nuclear energy development through the work of the Kentucky Nuclear Energy Development Authority (KNEDA). Last month, that momentum continued with the appointment of Sean Schaub as KNEDA’s new executive director. 

As he and his family make the move to Kentucky, Schaub brings a strong background in nuclear energy, economic development and energy policy. Most recently, he helped guide Wyoming’s expanding nuclear ecosystem as nuclear industry coordinator for the Wyoming Energy Authority. 

Established by the Kentucky General Assembly in 2024 and attached to the University of Kentucky Center for Applied Energy Research (CAER) administratively, KNEDA serves as the Commonwealth’s nonregulatory, trusted state agency on nuclear energy development. The authority works to support and facilitate the growth of Kentucky’s nuclear energy ecosystem in ways that strengthen the economy, expand educational opportunities, prepare a future workforce, protect the environment and enable community voices in impacted areas. 

For Schaub, Kentucky’s future in nuclear energy is built on a decades-long foundation, including the historic Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant, a cornerstone of Kentucky’s nuclear legacy. That foundation provides a strong framework for economic growth in the Commonwealth. 

“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.” 

Before entering state-level energy development, Schaub spent several years in Wyoming’s uranium industry with Cameco Resources, working as both a staff geologist and geology supervisor on uranium mining projects. His career has also included leadership roles in manufacturing, supply chain management and project development. 

That diverse background aligns with KNEDA’s broader mission. While power generation is a key focus of KNEDA, the authority’s efforts look at much more than reactors. Nuclear technologies including radioisotopes, process heat applications and mobile reactors, can play critical roles across a wide range of sectors in Kentucky, including medicine, agriculture, transportation and manufacturing. 

KNEDA also supports initiatives related to workforce development, site readiness, supply chain growth, community engagement and education. In March, KNEDA announced the first recipients of its Nuclear Energy Development Grant Program, awarding $8 million to six organizations across the Commonwealth. The projects range from identifying potential sites for small modular reactors to introducing nuclear-focused STEM education programs in rural communities. 

Those investments reflect a larger vision for Kentucky’s role in the industry and for its workforce. 

“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,” Schaub said. “Nuclear provides a great opportunity for jobs to stay in the region, and some growth there, too. We want to encourage innovation and opportunities for our communities and make Kentucky competitive for future nuclear investments.” 

Rodney Andrews, director of CAER and chair of KNEDA, believes Schaub’s experience makes him well suited to guide the authority as interest in nuclear energy continues to accelerate nationwide. 

“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.” 

As demand for reliable, affordable and carbon-free energy continues to grow across the country, Kentucky leaders believe Kentucky can play an important role in the nation’s nuclear future. Schaub believes Kentucky is prepared to capitalize on that opportunity and is excited to lead them forward. 

“Success will require collaboration between industry, educators, government leaders and local communities across the state, and that’s a large part of KNEDA’s mission,” Schaub said. “I’m thrilled to be here and very grateful for the opportunity. It's an exciting time to be involved in the nuclear industry.” 

As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky exists to advance the Commonwealth. We do that by preparing the next generation of leaders — placing students at the heart of everything we do — and transforming the lives of Kentuckians through education, research and creative work, service and healthcare. We pride ourselves on being a catalyst for breakthroughs and a force for healing, a place where ingenuity unfolds. It's all made possible by our people — visionaries, disruptors and pioneers — who make up 200 academic programs, a $1.02 billion research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.


Schaub with Rodney Andrews, director of CAER and chair of KNEDA. Photo by Kevin Puckett.