Juan Vitali is Assistant Director, Nuclear Energy Innovation, Office of Science and Technology Policy, Energy Directorate, Executive Office of the President, The White House. He leads plans, programs and strategies for the government to deliver advanced clean, safe nuclear energy to the American people and help advance the President’s agenda on climate change.
Previously, he was the Army’s Nuclear Engineer and Chief of the Nuclear Power Branch. He led a team of engineers to shape conditions for the adoption of nuclear power by the Army. He was the chief concept architect for the development of mobile nuclear power plant for ground operations. He was the Senior Advisor to the Chief of Engineers on nuclear power. Juan was Principal Research Faculty for eight years at Georgia Tech Research Institute and was Director of the Washington Office for the Electro-Optics Environment and Materials Laboratory. Throughout his career, Juan has maintained a dedication to excellence not only in science and technology but, in general, quietly effecting change through increasing leadership roles. In 2000, his work in halon replacements earned him the International US-EPA Stratospheric Ozone Protection Award. Juan completed studies at National Defense University/Eisenhower School and obtained a master’s degree in National Security Studies and Resource Strategy in 2013. Juan is a Harvard University Senior Executive Fellow. Juan holds a Doctorate in Engineering Physics/Nuclear Engineering (1992), a Master of Engineering (1987) and a bachelor’s degree Cum Laude in Engineering Physics/Nuclear Engineering (1984), all from the University of Florida. Juan is married to the former Kathryn Bowler of Needham, MA.