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Biography
System Engineering Manager, Energy Northwest
Mike Kennedy is a seasoned leader in the nuclear energy sector, currently serving as System Engineering Manager at Energy Northwest’s Columbia Generating Station. Since beginning his career in 2007, Kennedy has held a range of technical and leadership roles, including Procurement Engineer, Probabilistic Safety Analysis Supervisor, Engineering Fix-It-Now Supervisor, Work Week Manager, and Work Control Manager. His broad experience has shaped his strategic approach to plant operations and equipment reliability.
Kennedy’s contributions include developing Energy Northwest’s Obsolescence Program, supporting international nuclear organizations in China and Japan, and leading cross-functional teams to implement a station-wide reliability strategy. Under his leadership, Columbia Generating Station has achieved two consecutive breaker-to-breaker runs with no shutdowns in over six years.
Kennedy credits his education at Oregon State for opening up opportunities that have shaped his career.
“Oregon State Engineering degrees are valued and respected in the industry,” he said. “Through my time there I learned many skills that set me up to be not just an engineer but also a leader.”
Kennedy holds a master’s degree in nuclear engineering from Penn State and has completed multiple leadership development programs. He remains a respected figure in the industry and among Oregon State alumni, known for his integrity, technical excellence, and commitment to carbon-free, cost-effective energy.