Celebrating 50 years at TVA

A conversation with Senior Program Manager, Nuclear Fuel Supply and Utilization, Phil Brown.

As Phil Brown marks an extraordinary milestone with his 50th work anniversary at TVA, we sat down with him to reflect on nuclear history, memorable projects, and the meaning of a half-century of service.

In his first week at TVA, in March 1977, Phil – on the back row, at the far left – joined TVA Training Class Group 58.

Q: What was your first day at TVA like? 

My first day involved completing paperwork, selecting benefits, and undergoing a physical exam, which TVA required at the time. I met my manager, Jim Young, later in the afternoon.

In the 1970s TVA built an array of nuclear generation, including Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant, Unit 3.

Q: TVA Nuclear has changed so much over the decades. What was it like when you first started? 

In 1976, TVA had contracts for 17 large nuclear units. Seven of these units ultimately came online. Following the first three units at Browns Ferry, TVA continued to build and finish a total of four more units at  Sequoyah and Watts Bar. There was rapid growth, several reactor vendors, and even a brief effort in Western Uranium mining due to supply shortages. Our nuclear fuel staff grew to over 100. In the 1980s, demand changed, and five units were temporarily shut down.

Q: What makes nuclear work meaningful to you? 

Nuclear power doesn’t produce carbon and runs reliably. I believe it’s an important part of TVA’s portfolio. I also think the industry do more by taking more advantage of nuclear energy.

Q: Is there a project you’re especially proud of? 

The BLEU program—Blended Low Enriched Uranium—is the one I’m most proud of. I worked with the Department of Energy (DOE) to convert high-enriched material into usable reactor fuel. It saved money for TVA ratepayers and benefited U.S. taxpayers. I feel I played a major role in its success.

Q: What part of your job never gets old? 

I enjoy the structured cycles of monthly, quarterly, and annual nuclear fuel accounting. I also forecast nuclear fuel expenses 30 years into the future, and fuel capital and expense can differ by as much as $100 million in a given year. Unexpected issues still arise, and those keep the work interesting even after 50 years.

Q: What advice would you give someone starting at TVA today? 

Learn everything you can. Follow procedures, get your qualifications, and complete them thoroughly. Also, try to understand TVA as a whole. Serving ratepayers and supporting coworkers is very fulfilling.

Q: When you think about your legacy, what do you hope people remember? 

I hope people remember that I focused on the right things—supporting ratepayers and helping fellow employees. And even after 50 years, I’m not planning to retire anytime soon.

Phil Brown visited recently with colleagues he has worked alongside over the decades. Pictured from left are Andy Sanislo, program manager Nuclear Fuel Supply, retired; Tom Hayslett, manager Nuclear Fuel Supply, retired; Philip Brown; Kimberly (Kim) Hulvey, director of Nuclear Fuel and Reactor Engineering; Jim Lemons, former director of Nuclear Fuel, retired; Greg Kniedler, program manager Nuclear Programs and Oversight, retired; and David Brown, former director of Nuclear Fuel and Reactor Engineering, retired.