Mark Proviano, President and CEO
Mr. Proviano has over 38 years of experience in the Nuclear Industry. In his role as President and CEO, Mark is personally engaged in all customer interactions. Mark has a strong belief and commitment in the importance of client – customer relationships. This is the core value on which PLS was established. He is responsible for the business operations to include commercial and technical integration of PLS activities as well as developing/implementing the strategic vision of PLS. Experience includes Engineering; Nuclear Safety and Licensing; Project Management (both technical and commercial); and Organizational Management. Prior to establishing PLS with Ms. Van Buren, Mr. Proviano had 17 years of experience with Westinghouse where he worked in positions of increased responsibility from Engineering and Licensing to Licensing and Project Management.
Robin Van Buren, Chief Operating Officer
Ms. Van Buren is our Chief Operating Officer and is a 25 year veteran of the Nuclear Industry. She has a strong mix of finance and operational skills. Additionally, she serves as an Advisor to several startups. After earning her BSME from Lehigh University, Ms Van Buren began her career in the nuclear industry with Westinghouse in the Mechanical Licensing group, where she was responsible for preparing Safety Evaluations, as well as addressing day to day Licensing issues. After several years in the Licensing group, Ms. Van Buren moved on to be the primary project interface for a major utility. After earning her MS in Industrial Administration from Carnegie Mellon University, she and Mr. Proviano began operation of PLS where they have built a reputation for delivering superior results, strong customer service, and project execution. With PLS, Ms. Van Buren is responsible for day to day operations necessary to achieve company goals and maintain compliance. In addition, Ms. Van Buren oversees the financial aspects of the company, including Budget Management, Forecasting, Financial Reporting, Accounts Payable, and Accounts Receivable.
Deb Luchsinger, Ph. D., Director of Advanced Nuclear Reactor Licensing
Dr. Deb Luchsinger has more than 30 years’ experience in development and support of energy resources. She is a specialist in nuclear licensing, siting, and environmental compliance. She holds advanced degrees in geology, biogeochemistry, and climatology, with extensive experience as a principal consultant and in positions as a Natural Sciences, Mathematics, and Engineering university professor and at a DOE National Laboratory. She has extensive experience with engineering and environmental development for major energy projects, including COLAs, ESPs, EPUs, License Renewal (LR), Subsequent License Renewal (SLR) and development/installation of Energy Management Systems for grid control. Additionally, she most recently served as the Lead Licensing Engineer for NuScale’s Emergency Planning Zone (EPZ) topical report, FSAR Chapter 2, and led comment responses for NRC proposed rules for addressing volcanic hazards. Dr. Luchsinger is a member of the of NEI Advanced Reactor Regulatory Task Force, and the NEI License Renewal Environmental Task Force. She is currently supporting Dominion Energy with SLR and SMR projects.
April Rice, Director of New Nuclear Development
Ms. Rice has over 30 years of experience in the Nuclear Industry primarily in Licensing and Engineering. In her role as Director of New Nuclear Development, April is responsible for leading this business area and providing innovative solutions to clients involved in Small Modular and Advanced Reactor development activities. Her experience includes all aspects of operating plant and new nuclear licensing activities. Ms. Rice has been with PLS for 5 years. Prior to that, she was part of the South Carolina Electric & Gas New Nuclear Deployment management team. April and her team were responsible for obtaining the COL and all necessary permits for construction and operation of the project. She was also responsible for oversight of NRC inspections including implementation of the Construction Reactor Oversight Process, support of initial simulator certification, and other licensing activities required for engineering, construction and operation of the plant.
Joe Waleko, Vice President of Midwest Sales
Joe Waleko has worked for PLS since 2010 as VP of Midwest Sales. Primary focus includes key utility accounts and business development. Experience includes Engineering, Operations, Licensing and Project Management. Joe has supported our clients by utilizing technical and program specific experienced people for License Renewal, Upgrades, and Fukushima Implementation. Past experience includes management positions with Westinghouse and Siemens providing sales and service to Midwest utilities for Nuclear and Fossil Plants. Joe has a BS and MS in Engineering from the University of Pittsburgh.