Office of International Programs

On this Page:

• Office of International Programs
• International Cooperation and Assistance Branch
• Export Controls and Nonproliferation Branch
• International Operations Branch

Office of International Programs

Director: David Skeen
Deputy Director: Jody Martin

The NRC’s Office of International Programs (OIP) serves as the agency’s focal point for all international nuclear regulatory activities, providing cross-office coordination and policy guidance on global nuclear safety, security, safeguards, and nonproliferation issues. It advises the NRC Chairman, Commissioners, and staff on international matters and recommends policies for nuclear exports and imports, international safeguards, physical security, nonproliferation, and international cooperation in nuclear safety and radiation protection. OIP develops and manages programs for international nuclear safety and security information exchanges, coordinates research agreements, and oversees the export/import licensing process in consultation with other U.S. Government agencies. The office maintains working relationships with foreign nuclear regulators and international organizations (such as the International Atomic Energy Agency and the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency) to ensure robust collaboration and representation in multilateral forums. OIP also ensures the NRC meets its treaty obligations and statutory requirements – for example, by reporting significant foreign nuclear activities under the Nuclear Nonproliferation Act of 1978 – and manages official representational funds, passports, and clearances to support NRC’s global engagements.

International Cooperation and Assistance Branch

Chief: Doris Lewis

The International Cooperation and Assistance (ICA) Branch builds and sustains international partnerships and provides regulatory assistance to other countries to strengthen global nuclear safety and security.  

By supporting the development of robust, independent nuclear regulatory bodies abroad, including in countries pursuing new or expanded nuclear power programs, the ICA Branch helps create the stable regulatory environments necessary for the safe deployment of U.S. reactor technologies worldwide. The ICA Branch negotiates and administers bilateral and multilateral arrangements for the exchange of technical information, ensuring effective knowledge-sharing and mutual learning with regulatory counterparts. The branch provides policy and logistical support for NRC leadership’s international engagements – preparing country-specific briefing materials and coordinating Commissioners’ foreign travel and supporting secure exchanges of classified and safeguards information in line with U.S. nonproliferation objectives. Additionally, the ICA Branch represents the NRC in key international organizations and regional groups to ensure U.S. regulatory perspectives are fully reflected.

Through these efforts, the branch strengthens global nuclear governance while supporting U.S. strategic objectives, including the safe uptake of U.S. reactor technologies by partner nations. 

Export Controls and Nonproliferation Branch

Chief: Andrea Ferkile

The Export Controls and Nonproliferation Branch (ECNP) carries out the NRC’s statutory responsibilities for nuclear export and import control and supports U.S. nonproliferation policy. This branch helps enable the safe and secure use and deployment of nuclear materials and equipment around the world by managing the licensing of nuclear material and equipment exports and imports under NRC regulations (10 CFR Part 110) and processes export/import license applications to ensure compliance with U.S. laws and international commitments. The branch also updates the rules that guide nuclear trade, so they keep pace with new technologies and national security needs. ECNP works closely with other U.S. Government agencies to provide expert technical input on export controls, nuclear safeguards, and nonproliferation issues. In addition, ECNP monitors global developments in nuclear security and maintains policies that help the United States meet its international commitments. Through this work, the branch helps strengthen global safeguards and supports peaceful, secure uses of nuclear energy and materials. It also reviews and contributes to Executive Branch nuclear nonproliferation and export control initiatives, providing technical and regulatory insights that inform broader U.S. Government policy and interagency efforts in areas such as nuclear safeguards and export controls. ECNP helps to ensure that NRC’s international licensing and oversight activities uphold U.S. treaty obligations and support global nuclear security standards. By enabling safe and compliant nuclear cooperation, ECNP plays a key role in protecting national security and supporting international efforts to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons. 

International Operations Branch

Chief: Christine Briggs

The International Operations Branch (IOB) oversees the daily administration and support required to facilitate NRC’s international initiatives. Its responsibilities include coordinating international logistics and information management, processing and tracking official correspondence and documentation, as well as supporting foreign travel for the agency by processing and addressing visa and passport requirements. IOB manages the NRC’s International Assignee and Trainee Programs supporting information-sharing, training, and bilateral commitments with international counterparts related to U.S. best practices for monitoring and maintaining nuclear safety and security. The branch plays a key role in internal communications and knowledge management for international activities, collecting and analyzing information on global nuclear developments, producing reports and briefings that keep the Commission and staff informed of international regulatory trends. IOB serves as the central point of contact for all support to the Nuclear Safety Attaché program. Additionally, IOB manages OIP’s internal resources and operations by coordinating human resource activities, handling performance management, overseeing budget formulation, implementation, and financial execution for the international product line, administering and managing contracting and procurement activities including Official Representation Funds. This branch provides a robust administrative foundation for the Office of International Programs, facilitating effective execution of its mission to promote international cooperation and ensure regulatory excellence.