NRC Announces Senior Management Selection for Office of Nuclear Regulatory Research
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Nuclear Regulatory Commission - News Release
No: 25-052 September 10, 2025
CONTACT: Office of Public Affairs, 301-415-8200
NRC Announces Senior Management Selection for Office of Nuclear Regulatory Research
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission today announced the selection of John Tappert as the director of the Office of Nuclear Regulatory Research, effective Sept. 7, 2025. Tappert has been serving as acting office director and previously served as the office’s deputy director.
The Office of Nuclear Regulatory Research conducts research to provide technical advice, tools, and information in support of the NRC’s mission. The office also works cooperatively with the U.S. Department of Energy and other federal agencies, the U.S. nuclear industry and universities, and international partners.
“John Tappert has done an outstanding job in an acting capacity as head of the Office of Nuclear Regulatory Research and we are pleased he will now assume this job permanently,” said NRC Chairman David Wright. “John brings a deep understanding of the importance of this office along with proven leadership abilities.”
Tappert joined the NRC in 1991 as a Reactor Engineer in Region I. He later worked as the Resident Inspector at the Fitzpatrick Nuclear Power Plant before transferring to the Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation, where he held progressively more responsible positions. He also served in the then-Office of New Reactors and as Chief of Staff to Commissioner William C. Ostendorff.
Prior to joining the NRC, Tappert served in the U.S. Navy's nuclear power program. He received a bachelor’s degree in Aerospace and Ocean Engineering from Virginia Tech and a master’s degree in Environmental Engineering from Johns Hopkins University. He also holds a Professional Engineer’s license.
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission was created as an expert, technical agency to protect public health, safety, and security, and regulate the civilian use of nuclear materials, including enabling the deployment of nuclear power for the benefit of society. Among other responsibilities, the agency issues licenses, conducts inspections, initiates and enforces regulations, and plans for incident response. The global gold standard for nuclear regulation, the NRC is collaborating with interagency partners to implement reforms outlined in new Executive Orders and the ADVANCE Act to streamline agency activities and enhance efficiency.
