The Office of the Chief Nuclear Reactor Inspector (CNRI) leads and implements all agency activities associated with protecting public health and safety and advances the nation’s common defense and security by enabling the safe and secure use of operating reactor technologies through efficient and reliable oversight. The office includes the four regional locations (Regions I-IV), operating reactor oversight program functions, enforcement and allegation program functions, and investigation functions. Works closely with the Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation (NRR) to ensure uniformity in the vision and operation of the operating reactor business line (ORBL). CNRI is a successor office to NRR.
Leadership
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Jeremy R. Groom (Acting)
Director, CNRI
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Philip J. McKenna, Jr.
Deputy Office Director for Inspection and Investigations
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Jonathan E. Greives
Regional Administrator, Region I
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Julio F. Lara (Acting)
Administrator, Region II
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Shakur A. Walker
Division of Oversight and Compliance Programs
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Marc Ferdas (Acting)
Division of Reactor Inspection Support
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Thomas G. Ashley, Jr.
Division of Investigations
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Raymond R. MicKinley, Jr.
Division of Reactor Safety
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Gregory F. Suber
Division of Reactor Safety
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TBA
Division of Reactor Projects
Division of Oversight and Compliance (DOCP)
Responsible for leading activities associated with inspecting and assessing licensee performance at commercial nuclear power plants including advanced commercial operating reactors including all three strategic performance areas: Reactor Safety, Radiation Safety, and Safeguards. Leads activities for licensee safety culture oversight and agency enforcement, allegations, and the differing views program.
Allegations and Enforcement Branch (AEB)
Responsible for providing programmatic support for managing the agency enforcement and allegations functions that remain in NRR, NMSS and the four regional locations (Regions I-IV). Integrates enforcement and allegations with office-specific processes and improves programmatic coordination. Maintains strong oversight to ensure consistency and collaboration between licensing, inspection, and enforcement in each business line. Manages the agency differing views program.
Allegations Teams (AT)
Provides centralized processing of allegations by expeditiously determining the validity and safety significance of allegations concerning NRC-regulated activities for the Offices of NRR, NMSS, and OIP. Coordinates Allegation Review Board (ARB) activities and allegation related information and trends with the regions and program offices in support of the inspection and oversight programs. Provides support to the NRC’s regional locations on matters involving policy and guidance of allegations that could have generic applicability. Provides oversight and implementation of the allegation management programs.
Reactor Inspector Branch (RIB)
Responsible for providing the infrastructure for inspecting and evaluating licensee compliance with regulatory requirements. Provides overall management for the Reactor Oversight Process (ROP) inspection program. Develop policies, practices, procedures, and the necessary infrastructure to support implementation and continuous enhancement of the ROP across all three strategic performance areas: Reactor Safety, Radiation Safety, and Safeguards. Works with the Reactor Assessment Branch to develop the Advanced ROP. Works with agency external stakeholders to gain their perspectives and feedback, discuss changes to the inspection process, and evaluate new ROP proposals.
Reactor Assessment Branch (RAB)
Leads and manages the Reactor Oversight Process (ROP), including the performance indicator program and the significance determination process, to ensure that oversight remains focused on safety while being efficient and timely. Develops and maintains the policies, guidance, and supporting infrastructure necessary for consistent implementation of the ROP across all three strategic performance areas: Reactor Safety, Radiation Safety, and Safeguards. Oversees the effective use of risk information in all ROP processes, provide programmatic support to Senior Reactor Analysts, maintains expertise related to safety culture and Safety Conscious Work Environment, and coordinate key elements of the inspector training and qualification programs. Manages the ROP self-assessment program to ensure the ROP remains effective, risk informed, and responsive to stakeholder feedback, providing insights that guide program improvements. Works with the Reactor Inspection Branch to develop the Advanced ROP.
PRA Oversight Branch (PRAOB)
Responsible for delivering high quality risk assessment capabilities that strengthen safety focused, efficient, and timely risk informed oversight. Performs and reviews risk analyses for key oversight and response programs; maintains and enhances NRC-owned risk assessment methods, tools, and guidance; providing technical support and training that builds regulatory proficiency; and engage stakeholders to continuously improve PRA quality. Supports credible, transparent, and defensible regulatory decisions that efficiently use resources. Provides ROP program ownership for oversight of the operating reactor maintenance rule, 10 CFR 50.69 risk-informed categorization and treatment of structures, systems and components, and the Diverse and Flexible Coping Strategies (FLEX) program.
Division of Reactor Inspection Support (DRIS)
Responsible for the support of activities associated with inspecting and assessing licensee performance at commercial nuclear power plants and vendors. Reviews quality assurance programs for vendors, applicants, and holders of NRC construction permits, operating licenses, and combined licenses. Leads and audits the implementation of the operator licensing program for commercial power reactors and provides oversight of industry training accreditation and establishes policy for design and testing of control room simulators. Evaluates human factors safety and security issues. Evaluates plant events, communicates lessons learned to cognizant domestic and international groups, and maintains operating experience data collection and coordination. Develops and issues generic communications. Coordinates the scheduling of all inspection activity for the ROP and operator licensing.
Vendor and Quality Assurance Branch (VQAB)
Leads and coordinates the agency’s regulatory activities for the review, approval, and implementation of quality assurance (QA) programs of applicants for certifications, permits, and licenses; nuclear steam system suppliers; architect-engineering firms; suppliers of safety-related and commercial-grade products and services; calibration and testing laboratories; and holders of NRC construction permits, operating licenses, and combined licenses. Manages and implements the Vendor Inspection Program Plan. Verifies effective implementation of commercial-grade dedication programs, systems for reporting defects under 10 CFR Part 21, and processes to prevent use of counterfeit and fraudulent items.
Operator Licensing and Human Factor Branch (OLHFB)
Supporting the major agency programs of rulemaking, licensing, and oversight in the areas of operator licensing for commercial power reactors, human factors engineering, and fatigue. Serves as the agency’s program office for the commercial power reactor operator licensing program and coordinates with the Divisions of Reactor Projects and Reactor Safety to implement the program. Monitors and evaluating the effectiveness of industry initiatives and programs, including INPO and the National Nuclear Accrediting Board accreditation process, related to training of nuclear power plant personnel. Provides human factors expertise to licensing actions for operating, new, and advanced reactors and for fuel cycle facilities and other fuel related applications.
Human Factors Team (HFT)
Plans, coordinates and conducts the review and evaluation of nuclear power plant designs and operations from the standpoint of human factors and man-machine systems interfaces to enhance the functional effectiveness of operator interaction with plant operation and plant shutdown following normal operation, transients, and accidents; participates in studies and analysis of human factors in man-machine interface problems as they pertain to plant operations and to control room design and operations; provides specialized assistance and advice in the area of human factors, and man-machine-system interfaces to other NRC divisions and offices.
Reactor Data and Generic Communications Branch (RDGCB)
Delivers timely, consistent, and risk informed operating experience (OpE) and generic communications that support safe and efficient regulatory oversight, including using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to inform inspection planning and execution. The Branch strengthens agency decision-making by analyzing operating experience, exploring emerging data analytics and AI enabled tools, and providing clear, actionable insights to CNRI. Maintains and updates core policies, guidance, and regulatory frameworks to ensure OpE and Generic Communications programs remain current, clear, and aligned with agency needs. Advances modern analytical approaches, including the evaluation and responsible use of AI and data driven tools to enhance trend identification, issue screening, and regulatory insights.
National Scheduling Team (NST)
Responsible for the centralized scheduling and coordination of all Reactor Oversight Process (ROP) inspections and operator licensing examinations for the current operating reactor fleet and will fill associated staffing needs using available NRC resources. Each team member will be aligned with a specific region and at least one NST member will be co-located within the regional office they support. NST members will maintain regular engagement with regional first-line supervisors and inspection staff to understand inspection needs, staff availability, and region-specific considerations such as travel requirements. Supports a balanced, agency-wide use of oversight and inspection resources. Serves agency’s primary resource for identifying staffing for supplemental, reactive, and infrequently performed inspections. Lead organization for tracking baseline inspection completion and will monitor several key ROP performance measures, including inspection timeliness and resource usage. Interfaces with the Office of Advanced Reactors (OAR) to help identify and coordinate staffing needs associated with the Advanced Reactor Construction Oversight Process (ARCOP).
Division of Investigation (DI)
Conducts investigations of licensees, applicants, their contractors or vendors, including the investigation of all allegations of wrongdoing by other than NRC employees and contractors; ensures that the Commission and NRC offices are aware of matters under investigation as they affect the public health and safety, and common defense and security; maintains current awareness of inquiries and inspections by other NRC offices to identify the need for formal investigations; makes appropriate referrals to the Department of Justice maintains liaison with other agencies and organizations to ensure the timely exchange of information of mutual interest; and issues subpoenas where necessary or appropriate for the conduct of investigations. Maintains focus on conducting thorough, independent investigations with objectivity and integrity. This includes our commitment to timeliness and collaboration with the Commission, internal and external stakeholders, and the Department of Justice on criminal matters.
Southern Field Office (SFO)
Lead investigative field office for Region II & Region IV
Northern Field Office (NFO)
Lead investigative field office for Region I & Region III
Region I (RI)
Division of Reactor Projects (DRP)
Responsible for executing the Reactor Oversight Program (ROP), including planning, directing, and implementing the resident baseline inspection program for all operating reactor facilities within Region I. Provides leadership, oversight, and performance management of resident inspector staff to ensure consistent and effective execution of the ROP, including inspection and assessment activities, and event follow-up. Ensures effective coordination with licensees and regional stakeholders to support safe plant operations and regulatory compliance.
Reactor Projects Branch A-D
Responsible for regulatory oversight and for managing the implementation of the ROP at assigned reactor facilities. Provides initial response to plant events, conducts inspection and assessment, enforcement, and allegation follow-up activities consistent with NRC policy. Manages and develops current and future resident inspectors through structured recruitment, qualification, and training programs
Reactor Projects Branch A
Sites: Nine Mile Point, Fitzpatrick, and Ginna
Reactor Projects Branch B
Sites: Beaver Valley, Millstone, and Seabrook
Reactor Projects Branch C
Sites: Salem, Hope Creek, and Susquehanna
Reactor Projects Branch D
Sites: Peach Bottom, Limerick, Calvert Cliffs and Crane Clean Energy Center
Division of Reactor Safety (DRS)
Applies specialized expertise to implement the ROP, enforcement, incident response, and operator licensing programs at all operating reactor facilities in Region I. Responsible for executing baseline, infrequently performed, supplemental, and reactive inspections. Supports operating reactor oversight and provides technical assistance to resident inspectors in plant operations, engineering, support, and problem identification and resolution. Administers and oversees operator licensing examinations and issues operator licenses. Provides independent technical expertise to support risk-informed decision-making and resolution of complex safety issues. Responsible for regional incident response operations and communication and outreach with key external stakeholders.
Engineering Branch (EB)
Responsible for executing the ROP inspection program and supporting operating reactor oversight across multiple engineering disciplines, including civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, and digital instrumentation and control systems. Provides expertise in fire protection, cyber security, license renewal, and inservice inspection programs. Conducts baseline, infrequently performed, supplemental, and reactive inspections.
Plant Support Branch (PSB)
Responsible for executing the ROP inspection program and supporting operating reactor oversight in the areas of physical security, emergency preparedness, and radiological safety. Conducts baseline, supplemental, and reactive inspections. Ensures licensees maintain the ability to mitigate accidents and implement protective actions to safeguard the public.
Operator Licensing Branch (OLB)
Responsible for the administration and oversight of initial and requalification licensing examinations for reactor operator and senior reactor operator applicants in accordance with NRC standards. Ensures examination validity, reliability, and regulatory compliance, and supports the licensing process to maintain a qualified and competent reactor operator workforce. Conducts baseline, infrequently performed, supplemental, and reactive inspections and provide technical support to resident inspectors in the area of plant operations.
Regional Support Branch (RSB)
Responsible for providing regional support for managing the enforcement and allegations programs in the regions. Integrates enforcement and allegations with region-specific processes and improves programmatic coordination. Provides Senior Reactor Analyst (SRA) support for the ROP and all escalated enforcement. Responsible for coordinating with the CNRI program divisions to provide reactor oversight program assessment activities including regional performance trends and metrics. Maintains and operates the regional Incident Response Center, ensuring coordination with headquarters during events.
Region II (RII)
Division of Reactor Projects (DRP)
Responsible for executing the Reactor Oversight Program (ROP), including planning, directing, and implementing the resident baseline inspection program for all operating reactor facilities within Region II. Provides leadership, oversight, and performance management of resident inspector staff to ensure consistent and effective execution of the ROP, including inspection and assessment activities, and event follow-up. Ensures effective coordination with licensees and regional stakeholders to support safe plant operations and regulatory compliance.
Reactor Projects Branch A-E
Responsible for regulatory oversight and for managing the implementation of the ROP at assigned reactor facilities. Provides initial response to plant events, conducts inspection and assessment, enforcement, and allegation follow-up activities consistent with NRC policy. Manages and develops current and future resident inspectors through structured recruitment, qualification, and training programs
Reactor Projects Branch A
Sites: Brunswick, Harris, Robinson and Summer
Reactor Projects Branch B
Sites: Farley, Hatch, Vogtle (1&2) and Vogtle (3&4)
Reactor Projects Branch C
Sites: North Anna, Surry, Turkey Point and St. Lucie
Reactor Projects Branch D
Sites: Catawba, McGuire, and Oconee
Reactor Projects Branch E
Sites: Sequoyah, Watts Bar, and Browns Ferry
Division of Reactor Safety (DRS)
Applies specialized expertise to implement the ROP, enforcement, incident response, and operator licensing programs at all operating reactor facilities in Region II. Responsible for executing baseline, infrequently performed, supplemental, and reactive inspections. Supports operating reactor oversight and provides technical assistance to resident inspectors in plant operations, engineering, support, and problem identification and resolution. Administers and oversees operator licensing examinations and issues operator licenses. Provides independent technical expertise to support risk-informed decision-making and resolution of complex safety issues. Responsible for regional incident response operations and communication and outreach with key external stakeholders.
Engineering Branch
Responsible for executing the ROP inspection program and supporting operating reactor oversight across multiple engineering disciplines, including civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, and digital instrumentation and control systems. Provides expertise in fire protection, license renewal, and in-service inspection programs. Conducts baseline, infrequently performed, supplemental, and reactive inspections.
Plant Support Branch
Responsible for executing the ROP inspection program and supporting operating reactor oversight in the areas of emergency preparedness, and radiological safety. Conducts baseline, supplemental, and reactive inspections. Ensures licensees maintain the ability to mitigate accidents and implement protective actions to safeguard the public.
Operator Licensing Branch
Responsible for the administration and oversight of initial and requalification licensing examinations for reactor operator and senior reactor operator applicants in accordance with NRC standards. Ensures examination validity, reliability, and regulatory compliance, and supports the licensing process to maintain a qualified and competent reactor operator workforce. Conducts baseline, infrequently performed, supplemental, and reactive inspections and provide technical support to resident inspectors in the area of plant operations.
Regional Support Branch
Responsible for providing regional support for managing the enforcement and allegations programs in the regions. Integrates enforcement and allegations with region-specific processes and improves programmatic coordination. Provides Senior Reactor Analyst (SRA) support for the ROP and all escalated enforcement. Responsible for coordinating with the CNRI program divisions to provide reactor oversight program assessment activities including regional performance trends and metrics. Maintains and operates the regional Incident Response Center, ensuring coordination with headquarters during events.
Physical and Cyber Security Branch (PCSB)
Responsible for implementing inspection programs supporting the NRC’s physical protection and cyber security missions. Conducts baseline and reactive inspections to evaluate the effectiveness of licensee physical protection systems, access controls, intrusion detection, digital system protection, and critical digital asset management. Provides technical expertise on physical and cyber security issues, supports event follow‑up, and ensures licensee compliance with regulatory requirements to protect public health and safety.
Region III (RIII)
Division of Reactor Projects (DRP)
Responsible for executing the Reactor Oversight Program (ROP), including planning, directing, and implementing the resident baseline inspection program for all operating reactor facilities within Region III. Provides leadership, oversight, and performance management of resident inspector staff to ensure consistent and effective execution of the ROP, including inspection and assessment activities, and event follow-up. Ensures effective coordination with licensees and regional stakeholders to support safe plant operations and regulatory compliance.
Reactor Projects Branch A-D
Responsible for regulatory oversight and for managing the implementation of the ROP at assigned reactor facilities. Provides initial response to plant events, conducts inspection and assessment, enforcement, and allegation follow-up activities consistent with NRC policy. Manages and develops current and future resident inspectors through structured recruitment, qualification, and training programs
Reactor Projects Branch A
Sites: Point Beach, Quad Cities, Lasalle and Clinton
Reactor Projects Branch B
Sites: Davis Besse, Perry, Fermi and Dresden
Reactor Projects Branch C
Sites: Byron, Braidwood, Prairie Island and Monticello
Reactor Projects Branch D
Sites: DC Cook and Palisades
Division of Reactor Safety (DRS)
Applies specialized expertise to implement the ROP, enforcement, incident response, and operator licensing programs at all operating reactor facilities in Region III. Responsible for executing baseline, infrequently performed, supplemental, and reactive inspections. Supports operating reactor oversight and provides technical assistance to resident inspectors in plant operations, engineering, support, and problem identification and resolution. Administers and oversees operator licensing examinations and issues operator licenses. Provides independent technical expertise to support risk-informed decision-making and resolution of complex safety issues. Responsible for regional incident response operations and communication and outreach with key external stakeholders.
Engineering Branch (EB)
Responsible for executing the ROP inspection program and supporting operating reactor oversight across multiple engineering disciplines, including civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, and digital instrumentation and control systems. Provides expertise in fire protection, cyber security, license renewal, and inservice inspection programs. Conducts baseline, infrequently performed, supplemental, and reactive inspections.
Plant Support Branch (PSB)
Responsible for executing the ROP inspection program and supporting operating reactor oversight in the areas of physical security, emergency preparedness, and radiological safety. Conducts baseline, supplemental, and reactive inspections. Ensures licensees maintain the ability to mitigate accidents and implement protective actions to safeguard the public.
Operator Licensing Branch (OLB)
Responsible for the administration and oversight of initial and requalification licensing examinations for reactor operator and senior reactor operator applicants in accordance with NRC standards. Ensures examination validity, reliability, and regulatory compliance, and supports the licensing process to maintain a qualified and competent reactor operator workforce. Conducts baseline, infrequently performed, supplemental, and reactive inspections and provide technical support to resident inspectors in the area of plant operations.
Regional Support Branch (RSB)
Responsible for providing regional support for managing the enforcement and allegations programs in the regions. Integrates enforcement and allegations with region-specific processes and improves programmatic coordination. Provides Senior Reactor Analyst (SRA) support for the ROP and all escalated enforcement. Responsible for coordinating with the CNRI program divisions to provide reactor oversight program assessment activities including regional performance trends and metrics. Maintains and operates the regional Incident Response Center, ensuring coordination with headquarters during events.
Region IV (RIV)
Division of Reactor Projects (DRP)
Responsible for executing the Reactor Oversight Program (ROP), including planning, directing, and implementing the resident baseline inspection program for all operating reactor facilities within Region IV. Provides leadership, oversight, and performance management of resident inspector staff to ensure consistent and effective execution of the ROP, including inspection and assessment activities, and event follow-up. Ensures effective coordination with licensees and regional stakeholders to support safe plant operations and regulatory compliance.
Reactor Projects Branch A-C
Responsible for regulatory oversight and for managing the implementation of the ROP at assigned reactor facilities. Provides initial response to plant events, conducts inspection and assessment, enforcement, and allegation follow-up activities consistent with NRC policy. Manages and develops current and future resident inspectors through structured recruitment, qualification, and training programs.
Reactor Projects Branch A
Sites: Columbia Generating Station, Waterford, Arkansas Nuclear One and Palo Verde
Reactor Projects Branch B
Sites: Callaway, Comanche Peak, Wolf Creek and Diablo Canyon
Reactor Projects Branch C
Sites: Cooper, Grand Gulf, River Bend and South Texas Project
Division of Reactor Safety (DRS)
Applies specialized expertise to implement the ROP, enforcement, incident response, and operator licensing programs at all operating reactor facilities in Region IV. Responsible for executing baseline, infrequently performed, supplemental, and reactive inspections. Supports operating reactor oversight and provides technical assistance to resident inspectors in plant operations, engineering, support, and problem identification and resolution. Administers and oversees operator licensing examinations and issues operator licenses. Provides independent technical expertise to support risk-informed decision-making and resolution of complex safety issues. Responsible for regional incident response operations and communication and outreach with key external stakeholders.
Engineering Branch (EB)
Responsible for executing the ROP inspection program and supporting operating reactor oversight across multiple engineering disciplines, including civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, and digital instrumentation and control systems. Provides expertise in fire protection, cyber security, license renewal, and inservice inspection programs. Conducts baseline, infrequently performed, supplemental, and reactive inspections.
Plant Support Branch (PSB)
Responsible for executing the ROP inspection program and supporting operating reactor oversight in the areas of physical security, emergency preparedness, and radiological safety. Conducts baseline, supplemental, and reactive inspections. Ensures licensees maintain the ability to mitigate accidents and implement protective actions to safeguard the public.
Operator Licensing Branch (OLB)
Responsible for the administration and oversight of initial and requalification licensing examinations for reactor operator and senior reactor operator applicants in accordance with NRC standards. Ensures examination validity, reliability, and regulatory compliance, and supports the licensing process to maintain a qualified and competent reactor operator workforce. Conducts baseline, infrequently performed, supplemental, and reactive inspections and provide technical support to resident inspectors in the area of plant operations.
Regional Support Branch
Responsible for providing regional support for managing the enforcement and allegations programs in the regions. Integrates enforcement and allegations with region-specific processes and improves programmatic coordination. Provides Senior Reactor Analyst (SRA) support for the ROP and all escalated enforcement. Responsible for coordinating with the CNRI program divisions to provide reactor oversight program assessment activities including regional performance trends and metrics. Maintains and operates the regional Incident Response Center, ensuring coordination with headquarters during events. Assists in NRC responsibilities for Federal Government Continuity of Operations (COOP) and regional operations officer functions.