PURPOSE
The purpose of this award is to recognize accomplishments in applying nuclear technology, advancing education in nuclear technology, increasing public awareness of the benefits of nuclear technology and in promoting and defending the safe and effective use of nuclear technology.
DESCRIPTION OF PROGRAM
CNTA presents this award to a person who has made significant contributions in the advancement of nuclear. The award has a very broad reach with all-inclusive consideration outside of traditional scholarly, academic nuclear science and technology, to include non-technical fields. Areas of considerations are many, including but not limited to education, training, management, leadership, applied engineering, medicine, energy, health protection, public relations, journalism, communications, safety, environmental impact and remediation, national security, and workforce development. Candidates may also make contributions in multiple areas over an extended period of time.
The award is presented annually at the fall CNTA Teller Lecture & Banquet.
2025 Nuclear Service Award Recipient
Mindy Mets
Citizens for Nuclear Technology Awareness (CNTA) is pleased to announce that the winner of the 2025 Nuclear Service Award is Mindy Mets. This prestigious award was presented on November 21, 2025, at the 34th Annual Teller Lecture and Banquet in Aiken, SC.
Mets is recognized for her fifteen years as the Vice President of Strategic Initiatives for the Savannah River Site Community Reuse Organization (SRSCRO) in which she supported and advocated for missions at the Savannah River Site (SRS). At the SRSCRO, Mets directed the Nuclear Workforce Initiative (NWI®); managed workforce development grants; established the NWI® Staffing Committee; established the Regional Nuclear Science Week Committee; established the annual STEM Career Connections® event; and coordinated the development of Microburst Learning Tools. These initiatives help sustain qualified workers at SRS and counter the challenge of an aging workforce.
Prior to her leadership role at the SRSCRO, Mets was the SRS Citizens Advisory Board Coordinator, a Director at the Southeast Environmental Management Association, and a valued part of the SRS Emergency Services Department. Mets received her B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Auburn University in 1985 and is the author of numerous articles and publications related to nuclear workforce development.
Mets is also a member of the Savannah River Site Museum Board of Directors, the Citizens for Nuclear Technology Awareness (CNTA) Education Committee, and has served the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce Workforce and Education Committee, the International Steering Committee for Nuclear Science Week, the Augusta Technical College Nuclear Engineering Technology Advisory Committee, and the Aiken Technical College Radiation Protection Technology Advisory Committee.
“Mindy has been a positive influence for many students in the community by encouraging them to pursue meaningful careers in the nuclear field,” said BWXT Business Development Director Ed Wannemacher. “She has worked quietly behind the scenes promoting nuclear energy and the SRS and has been a great ambassador for CNTA and all organizations that promote the benefits of nuclear energy.”
Dr. Thomas Burns Jr., President and Program Manager for Savannah River Mission Completion, noted that, “Mets has demonstrated unwavering support as an advocate for SRS missions, primarily in her roles for the Citizens Advisory Board and the SRS Community Reuse Organization … I have seen firsthand Mets’ sincere commitment to growing and sustaining the SRS workforce through education, training, and grant programs.”
2026 Call for Nominations
The 2026 call for nominations for this award will be available in April.
Details on the nomination process, selection criteria etc. can be found in the CNTA Nuclear Service Award Description.
Eligibility requirements for candidates are:
• Candidate residence preferably should be or should have been in the Southeast region, defined as Georgia or South Carolina, at the time of the accomplishment(s)
• The award emphasizes recognition of accomplishment(s) benefiting, or having an impact on, the CSRA
• Accomplishment(s) could include sustained contribution over an extended period of time, or a single outstanding accomplishment
• Candidate can be either actively employed or retired
• There are no education or degree requirements
Nominations are due to CNTA by Saturday, August 1st, 2026.