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About VERTical

We're driving next-generation nuclear power deployment by convening collaborative project groups to solve industrywide challenges.

The VERTical innovation cluster was established in January 2022 and is administered by Port of Benton. Washington State Department of Commerce has invested in VERTical as part of its first cohort for funding through its Innovation Cluster Accelerator Program.

The industry-led coalition forges collaborative strategies that solve supply chain, workforce, capital and other barriers impeding the widescale deployment of next-generation nuclear energy technologies.

VERTical’s efforts facilitate a thriving industry able to lead the transition to a clean energy future and stimulate economic growth.

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“Washington VERTical, led by the Port of Benton – accelerating the transition to clean, renewable and non-emitting energy production sources by 2025 through advanced nuclear power technologies.”

Press Release, WA Commerce 2022
VERTical Fact Sheet

VERTical Board of Directors

The VERTical Board of Directors was formed in October 2023, and the inaugural members hail from coast to coast. These leaders will help shape the board will expand to include additional representatives from industry-leading organizations and cutting-edge technology companies.

Board Chair Ken Langdon

Energy Northwest General Manager for Nuclear Development

Langdon is a U.S. Navy veteran with extensive experience in nuclear operations, site readiness and supply chain. Langdon lives in Washington.

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Frederick P. Hughes, PMP

Fluor Corporation Vice President Project Direction, Mission Solutions Nuclear & Environmental Group

Hughes has vast experience assembling and directing high-performance project teams and delivering projects on schedule and budget. Hughes hails from Idaho.

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Elisa Calvo Tone

Director, North America New Business Fuel Division, Framatome Inc.

Calvo Tone leads the development of the HALEU (High-Assay Low-Enriched Uranium) supply chain for Framatome, central to advancing the new nuclear global supply chain.

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Ken Langdon

Kenneth Langdon, Nuclear Development General Manager, joined Energy Northwest in 2023 with 35 years of nuclear experience.

Ken served in the U.S. Navy for eight years and has an extensive background in management at various nuclear organizations, including Site Vice President at Nine Mile Point for Constellation Energy, Director of Operations at Diablo Canyon Power Plant, Plant Manager at Sequoyah Nuclear Plant for Tennessee Valley Authority, Vice President of Operational Readiness for Westinghouse Electric Company and Vice President of Operations and Plant Services for NuScale Power, LLC.

Ken holds a BS in Workforce Education and Development and a Senior Reactor Operator Certification from LaSalle County Nuclear Station.

Frederick P. Hughes, PMP

Career Summary:
Fred Hughes has over 50 years assembling and leading high-performance teams to bring complex projects to successful completion. He has directed compliant nuclear operations including spent nuclear fuel (SNF) removal, waste management operations, environmental remediation and decontamination, deactivation and demolition of nuclear and other complicated structures and facilities. He has implemented processes and systems to successfully upgrade commercial nuclearpower plant equipment, construction of nuclear facilities and waste facilities. He has directed engineering processes including software and hardware design and implemented prototype systems.

Fred has managed nuclear facilities, establishing strong conduct of operations built on a robust foundation of health and safety practices that ensure worker protection from job hazards.

Education:

  • MBA, Operations Management, 1989, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
  • BS, Operations Research, 1976, US Naval Academy
  • Project Management Institute-certified Project Management Professional (#502415), 2007

Experience:
Currently a Fluor Vice President responsible as the Fluor Project Director working with Longview Fusion Energy Systems to design and construct the first fusion plant in 10 years. For the last 7 years he was the President and Program Director of Fluor Idaho responsible for all cleanup activities on the Idaho Cleanup Project directing 1,800 employees on a $2.3B contract. Prior to that Fred was the Deputy Site Director at the Portsmouth D&D Site in Piketon, Ohio responsible for all operational aspects of the $350M/year decontamination and demolition contract.

Fred was a Vice President at Westinghouse responsible for all activities of the consortium constructing the AP1000 nuclear plants at VC Summer from 2008 – 2010 as well as establishing a project management organization within Westinghouse’s engineering business division. He has spent over 20 years at a number of DOE sites including Idaho National Laboratory, Hanford, Portsmouth Enrichment Plant, Rocky Flats, and the Nevada Test Site.

Fred worked at General Dynamics Electric Boat Shipyard as a Supervisor in Engineering supporting the combat systems engineering department. Fred retired from the Naval Reserves as a Captain having completed successful commanding officer tours of 4 Reserve Units. He also was on active duty for over 5 years qualifying in submarines and completing the nuclear power training course.

Elisa Calvo Tone

Director, North America New Business Fuel Division, Framatome Inc

Elisa Calvo Tone serves as the Director of Fuel New Business for Framatome Inc, overseeing strategic initiatives and business development across North America and the United Kingdom. She leads the expansion of the Fuel Division into emerging markets and technical domains, with a focus on advanced reactor technologies, space applications and medical isotopes.
In her current role, Elisa leads the strategic development of the HALEU (High-Assay Low-Enriched Uranium) supply chain for Framatome in both the U.S. and Europe. Her work is central to the global advancement of the advanced nuclear supply chain and long-term fuel security including forging strategic partnerships with Small Modular Reactor developers to ensure fuel supply security.

Elisa holds both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Nuclear and Renewable Energy Engineering from the Polytechnic School of Engineering in Torino, Italy. Her career began at Framatome SAS in Paris, where she led safety analyses for new builds projects. In 2011, she transitioned to Framatome Inc in the United States, taking on the role of Supervisor of Safety Analyses for the Pressurized Water Reactor fleet where she spearheaded methodology development and fleet-wide applications, playing a key role in securing NRC licensing approvals.

Elisa is an active member of the American Nuclear Society and currently serves as Past-Chair of the Virginia ANS Chapter. She is also a passionate advocate for children, volunteering with the Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program to support vulnerable youth in the legal system.