Neal Cohen named senior vice president of external affairs at NEI

The Nuclear Energy Institute announced that public affairs executive Neal Cohen will join the organization as senior vice president of external affairs beginning on Jan. 1, 2017.

Cohen, who spent 30 years at APCO Worldwide Inc., will be responsible for developing and executing NEI’s strategic government affairs. Cohen will also be charged with running NEI’s advocacy and communications programs in order to achieve critical policy objects for the nuclear energy industry.

Maria Korsnick, incoming president and chief executive officer at NEI, said Cohen is joining the organization at a time when the energy industry is rapidly evolving and when policy discussions regarding nuclear energy need to change.

“To that end, he will be a powerful voice and leader in driving recognition of the need for policies that help strengthen our nation with the large-scale, reliable electricity that nuclear energy facilities uniquely provide,” she said.

While at APCO, Cohen most recently held the position of vice chairman and president of global strategies.

“I’m excited to join NEI at this critical juncture of electric sector change, and I am eager to work with the industry and its many allies to achieve results that ensure a key role for nuclear power in the future energy portfolio,” Cohen said.