Standard Nuclear, a leading producer of advanced nuclear fuel, announced the appointment of Kevin Harrill as Chief Financial Officer, effective March 9, 2026. The Oak Ridge, Tennessee-based company selected Harrill to lead its financial operations as it scales production capacity to meet increasing demand for TRISO nuclear fuel from both commercial and government customers. Harrill brings more than 25 years of experience in capital markets, operational leadership, and strategic financial management to his new role as CFO.
According to the company, Harrill most recently served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Centrus Energy Corp., where he previously held the position of Chief Accounting Officer. Throughout his career, he has held senior finance leadership roles across publicly traded and private equity-backed organizations in the energy, defense, national security, and education technology sectors.
Extensive Financial Leadership Experience in Nuclear Energy
During his tenure as a public company CFO, Harrill led long-range capital planning and multi-billion-dollar capital allocation initiatives. He executed significant debt and equity transactions while strengthening the company’s financial position through liability reduction and pension de-risking strategies. Additionally, he expanded the investor relations platform, increasing analyst coverage and deepening institutional ownership.
Prior to Centrus, Harrill served as Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer at Blackboard, where he led financial strategy for more than $3 billion in mergers and acquisitions and debt refinancing transactions. Earlier in his career, he held senior finance and accounting leadership roles within multi-billion-dollar defense organizations at Harris Corporation and SAIC, including responsibility for a $600 million business unit.
Strategic Addition to Standard Nuclear Leadership Team
Kurt Terrani, Chief Executive Officer of Standard Nuclear, emphasized the significance of Harrill’s appointment. According to Terrani, Harrill’s deep expertise in nuclear energy and national security, combined with his experience leading financial strategy at one of the nation’s leading uranium enrichment companies, makes him an exceptional addition to the leadership team. The CEO expressed confidence that Harrill’s disciplined capital allocation experience would support the company’s expansion to meet the nation’s advanced fuel needs.
In his role at Standard Nuclear, Harrill will work closely with the company’s CEO and board of directors to lead the finance organization and reinforce capital discipline. He will also enhance governance and financial reporting infrastructure while supporting the company’s next phase of institutional growth. Meanwhile, Tom Dale, who served as the company’s first Chief Financial Officer, will continue to support the company as a Senior Advisor, providing strategic guidance.
Critical Timing Amid Expanding Operations
Harrill’s appointment comes during a period of accelerating commercial progress for Standard Nuclear. The company recently closed a $140 million Series A financing to support the buildout of new fuel development and fabrication infrastructure. In 2025, Standard Nuclear was selected as the first awardee under the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Nuclear Energy’s Fuel Line Pilot Program.
Earlier this year, the company became the first organization authorized by the U.S. Department of Energy to receive HALEU for the production of TRISO fuel. Standard Nuclear is currently producing advanced HALEU TRISO fuel for Radiant Industries and other customers. However, the company has not disclosed specific production volume targets or detailed expansion timelines.
Rebuilding America’s Advanced Nuclear Fuel Supply Chain
According to Harrill, rebuilding America’s advanced nuclear fuel supply chain is both urgent and generational. He stated that Standard Nuclear is at the forefront of solving one of the most critical supply chain challenges facing the nuclear industry today. In contrast to relying on foreign suppliers, the company aims to eliminate U.S. dependence on geopolitical adversaries for strategically vital nuclear fuel technologies.
Harrill holds a Master of Arts in National Security Studies and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a major in Accounting and Finance from Georgetown University. He is also a Certified Public Accountant. His educational background and professional certifications complement his extensive experience in regulated industries and government contracting.
The company has not announced specific milestones or timelines for its production expansion plans under Harrill’s financial leadership. As Standard Nuclear continues to scale its operations, industry observers will be watching how the new CFO’s expertise in capital allocation and operational execution supports the company’s growth trajectory in the emerging advanced nuclear fuel market.
