Dr. Zack T. Pate

Chairman Emeritus of the Institute of Nuclear Power Operations and the World Association of Nuclear Operators

Dr. Zack T. Pate has earned a worldwide reputation as a nuclear pioneer – first as president and then chief executive officer of the Institute for Nuclear Power Operations (1983-1998), and later as Chairman of the World Association of Nuclear Operators (1997-2002). Dr. Pate’s emphasis on standardized, rigorous, accredited training gave impetus to the concept of a worldwide “safety culture” in the nuclear industry. In guiding the industry toward high and consistent levels of performance, his career helped to lay the foundation for a renaissance of nuclear power worldwide.

A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, Dr. Pate holds a PhD in nuclear engineering from MIT. Serving in the U.S. Navy from 1958 to 1980, Pate commanded nuclear-powered submarines and was a special assistant to Admiral Hyman Rickover. Dr. Pate was elected to the National Academy of Engineering in 1998. He is also a recipient of the James N. Landis Medal, the William S. Lee Award for “visionary leadership in encouraging and promoting excellence throughout the nuclear power industry,” and the Henry DeWolf Smyth Nuclear Statesman Award. In 2002, Dr. Pate was honored by the World Nuclear Association in London for his “distinguished contribution to the peaceful worldwide uses of nuclear energy” as a founder and leader of WANO. He is Chairman Emeritus of both INPO and WANO, and served as Chairman of the World Nuclear University.