Powers joins NREL after a distinguished 30-year career with DOE. He served most recently as associate administrator for management and budget at DOE’s National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) where he was responsible for administrative operations supporting 33,000 employees nationwide.

“Ken brings tremendous operations expertise to NREL,” NREL director Dan Arvizu said. “We’re confident he can expand on the NREL’s safe and supportive work environment, which is known internationally for fostering innovation in renewable energy and energy efficiency.”
Powers also served as associate administrator for infrastructure and environment at NNSA, managing a $500 million annual budget for environmental management, project management and nuclear material integration programs.

Previously he directed project management and procurement activities for NNSA’s Office of Civilian Radioactive Waste Management (OCRWM), including the planned $20 billion Yucca Mountain Repository. He also served as the deputy manager of DOE’s Nevada Operations Office, managing the $500 million annual budget for the operations and maintenance of the Nevada Test Site.

Powers will assume his official duties at NREL on March 5. He replaces William S. Glover, who is retiring. He attended the University of Northern Colorado where he earned his master’s in business administration. He earned his undergraduate degree from Columbia College.