Duke Energy names New Oconee Nuclear Station Site VP

Duke Energy announces that Ed Burchfield is the new Oconee Nuclear Station’s site vice president effective Dec. 1, 2017. He succeeds Tom Ray, who was recently named site vice president of Duke Energy’s McGuire Nuclear Station in Huntersville, N.C. “Ed’s strong operational and technical skills add tremendous value to the team. Even more valuable is the respectful leadership he provides,” Duke Energy Chief Nuclear Officer Preston Gillespie said. Burchfield has more than 30 years of experience in engineering and plant operations with Duke Energy. He has served as Oconee’s plant manager since September 2016, and previously served as engineering general manager since 2012. In his new role, Burchfield is responsible for the safe and reliable operation of Oconee Nuclear Station. John Dills has been named Oconee plant manager in Burchfield’s place. Dills comes from Duke Energy’s Charlotte headquarters, where he served as Nuclear Operation general manager. Dills has served in various leadership roles for Duke Energy and Entergy. Burchfield began his career with Duke Energy in 1984 as an engineer in Charlotte. He has held a number of positions at the corporate office and at Oconee. Burchfield received a senior reactor operator license from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission and is a registered professional engineer in South Carolina. Raised in Tennessee, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree and master’s degree in nuclear engineering from the University of Florida. He currently serves on the board of directors for the Oconee Memorial Hospital Foundation.