​Leadership changes at Nuclear Innovation Institute

The Nuclear Innovation Institute (NII) has announced leadership changes, with James Scongack (above) taking over as board chairman from Mike Rencheck who is retiring; and Jessica Linthorne named president and chief executive officer (CEO).

In a press release issued Wednesday, the NII offered appreciation to Rencheck for his substantial contributions over the years, both in forming the organization and shaping its vision.

It also remembered the late Frank Saunders, who with Rencheck, launched the NII to benefit communities, children and industry through STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) education, training and technological advancement and application.

“With James (Scongack) as board chairman, the NII is well-positioned for future growth, said Rencheck, outgoing president and CEO of Bruce Power. “He brings with him deep connections to local communities, economic development, and the region’s growing medical isotopes ecosystem.”

“On behalf of the NII’s board of directors, I thank Mike Rencheck for his leadership in championing nuclear innovation and driving economic opportunity,” said Scongack. “His forward-looking leadership created the NII and has helped guide its work in countless ways. We wish him all the best in his retirement.

“I am excited to join the board and work with the NII’s dedicated team to continue making a difference in clean energy — through innovative policy and partnerships, workforce development, and technology projects driving the industry forward.”

Scongack, Bruce Power’s chief operating officer and executive vice-president, is responsible for a wide range of operational and capital project services, nuclear regulatory affairs, external affairs, environment, sustainability, asset dispatch, medical isotopes and business development. During his 20 years of service at Bruce Power, he has served in a number of diverse leadership roles at the company.

He is also chairman of the Independent Electricity System Operator Strategic Advisory Committee, chairman of the Canadian Nuclear Isotope Council and chairman of the Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario.

Scongack joins the rest of the NII’s board of directors:
 

• James Phillips, Good Governance (vice-chairman)
• David Doerksen, vice-president of marketing, Cameco Corporation
• Spencer Fox, president, E.S. Fox Ltd.
• David Harris, president and CEO, Kinectrics Inc.
• Danielle La Croix, senior director of the environment, sustainability and net-zero, Bruce Power
• John MacQuarrie, president, BWXT Canada Ltd.
• Gary Newman, chief engineer & senior vice-president of engineering, Bruce Power
• Gary Rose, executive vice-president, Nuclear Canada, AtkinsRéalis, and president and CEO of Candu Energy Inc.
• Luke Charbonneau, mayor of the Town of Saugeen Shores (member-at-large)
• Dr. Karin Stephenson, director of nuclear research and education support, McMaster University (member-at-large)
• Jeff Parnell, president, Power Workers’ Union (member-at-large: training and education)

 

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Meanwhile Linthorne, who was interim president and CEO at the NII, has been appointed to that position.

“Jessica (Linthorne) has demonstrated excellent leadership in her interim role at NII over the past several months, strengthening the organization and engaging members and communities,” said Scongack. “The entire NII team is a strategic partner in advancing the nuclear industry, and the board looks forward to the organization’s direction.”

As part of this work, the NII has refined its vision and mission statements to align with the unique place the not-for-profit holds in the clean energy industry.

Vision: A Canadian landscape that celebrates an innovative nuclear industry as an integral part of the clean energy future.

Mission: To drive an innovative nuclear voice, skill development and industry advancement to support members and encourage collaborative engagement with communities, industries and governments.

And this mission is built on work that happens under three main pillars, where the NII acts as:
 

• A project manager for industry technology projects and environmental research
• An industry voice in policy reports, government relations and unique communications
• A connector in member engagement, workforce development and STEM education

“With this refined vision and mission and a team of professionals spanning a wide range of disciplines, the NII is driving the nuclear industry forward in unique and innovative ways, making connections both across the sector and beyond,” said Linthorne.

Employed at the NII since 2021, Linthorne was the interim president and CEO, and prior to that, held the position of chief operating officer. Previously, she was the strategic initiatives director for the Town of Saugeen Shores where she supported the landing and expansion of many nuclear suppliers and their workforces.

Her work has been recognized, nationally and internationally, through multiple awards, including as a top economic development professional in Ontario in 2021. She is well-connected to the Canadian tech sector and innovation space through past work in Waterloo region, and her passion for networking and peer mentorship has been showcased by Forbes.

Learn more about all of NII’s work at nii.ca.