Zachry Group Appoints Jim Harrell as Chief Nuclear Officer to Advance Growth in Expanding Nuclear EPC Market
San Antonio, TX — Zachry Group (Zachry) recently announced the promotion of Jim Harrell, P.E., to Chief Nuclear Officer of Zachry Nuclear, Inc. This strategic move underscores Zachry’s commitment to advancing its leadership in the growing nuclear engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) sector.
Harrell holds both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Nuclear Engineering from Georgia Tech and brings over 35 years of commercial experience in nuclear engineering, operations, maintenance support, and strategic business management. His career spans roles in plant start-up testing, advanced reactor support, and leadership in advisory and software development companies. Most recently, Harrell spearheaded innovative initiatives leveraging cutting-edge technologies, including digital twins, machine learning, and AI, to deliver significant cost savings, improve efficiency, and enhance reliability for clients worldwide.
In addition to his leadership at Zachry, Harrell serves as Vice Chair of the North Carolina Nuclear Advisory Council and will assume the role of Chair in 2026. He is also a member of the Texas A&M Nuclear Advisory Council, and actively participates in key industry organizations, including the U.S. Nuclear Industry Council (USNIC), American Nuclear Society (ANS), American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE), and the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE).
“Jim’s deep expertise and proven leadership will be instrumental as we continue to expand our nuclear capabilities and deliver innovative solutions to meet the industry’s evolving needs,” said John B. Zachry, Chairman and CEO of Zachry Group. “His vision aligns perfectly with our commitment to safety, reliability, and operational excellence.”
About Zachry Group
Zachry Group is North America’s pacesetter in turnkey engineering, construction, maintenance, turnaround and fabrication services to the energy, chemicals, power, manufacturing and industrial sectors. We work with customers to plan, build, and renew their most critical facilities, so they can achieve their immediate and long-term goals, all at the highest safety standards. Since 1924, we have been a purpose-driven organization, united by a shared set of values and the desire to deliver the very best outcome for our customers. Visit www.zachrygroup.com for more information.