Board of Directors
Michelle Amante-Harstine
Founder & CEO
Michelle Amante-Harstine is the founder and CEO of Congressional Energy Engagement Foundation (CEE Foundation), the nonprofit of Congressional Energy Engagement LLC (CEE) that empowers and expands energy education, bipartisan policy engagement, and clean energy leadership. As a 501(c)(3), the CEE Foundation enhances CEE's ability to facilitate energy dialogues on Capitol Hill while fostering energy literacy and government collaboration at both national and global levels in nuclear and clean energy. ​​
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With a career spanning over 25 years, Michelle has built a legacy of strategic engagement in the energy sector, serving as Senior Advisor for stakeholder engagement at the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Nuclear Energy and later as Senior Fellow for the U.S. Nuclear Industry Council. She currently serves on the Tennessee Nuclear Energy Advisory Council, advising on energy innovation and state leadership.
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Through CEE and the CEE foundation, Michelle brings together bipartisan policymakers, industry leaders, and key stakeholders to strengthen U.S. energy leadership and drive meaningful progress in nuclear energy, fusion, and other clean energy technologies. She is the architect of the Congressional Energy Leaders Forum, now known as the Nuclear Policy Leadership Dinner Discussion series, a key platform fostering dialogue between policymakers and energy experts. Michelle speaks on government engagement and leadership strategy, emphasizing the power of authentic relationships to drive real-world impact. She is often quoted saying, "Human achievement is inseperable from human interaction.". While her work is primarily based in Washington D.C. she remains deeply involved in Tennessee, championing energy prosperity, education and workforce development for the next generation.
Denise Grimm
Acting Executive Director
Denise Grimm serves as the Executive Director of the Congressional Energy Engagement Foundation (CEEF), working alongside Founder & CEO Michelle Amante-Harstine to expand engagement between the nuclear and clean energy sectors and federal legislative stakeholders. In this role, she facilitates strategic dialogues between policymakers, industry leaders, and academic institutions, supporting CEEF’s mission to advance energy education, workforce development, and bipartisan collaboration.
With a background in policy advocacy and stakeholder engagement, Denise brings a wealth of experience from her time in the pharmaceutical industry, where she served as an Executive Sales Consultant in oncology at Bristol Myers Squibb and Celgene Corporation. She worked closely with thought leaders, advocacy organizations, and federal lawmakers, championing increased funding for cancer research through direct engagement with Congress and the Senate.
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Over the past several years, Denise has expanded her expertise into the energy and nuclear sectors, engaging with advanced reactor developers, mining companies, national laboratories, and universities. This hands-on experience has given her a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the nuclear and clean energy landscape, reinforcing her commitment to advancing innovation and policy solutions that support the nation’s energy future.
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Denise holds a Master’s Degree from LaRoche University and a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Pittsburgh.
Dale Vines
Director of Development
Dale Vines is an experienced executive with a distinguished background in engineering, industrial projects, and corporate leadership, currently serving as Executive Vice President of Business Development at Dominion Energy. With degrees in Electrical Engineering from Mississippi State University and an MBA in Finance and Management from Tulane University's A.B. Freeman School of Business, Dale skillfully blends technical expertise with strategic business insight.
His career has been highlighted by leadership roles across several firms where he spearheaded project management, engineering management, and business development, particularly in the energy and power plant sectors. At the Congressional Energy Engagement, Dale utilizes his deep knowledge to contribute to energy policy discussions and infrastructure development, focusing on promoting sustainable and innovative energy solutions through educational and advocacy efforts.
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Dale's comprehensive understanding of the operational and technical aspects of energy projects makes him a vital asset to the board, dedicated to advancing safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible energy practices.
Aaron Harstine
Associate Director
Aaron Harstine brings a robust background in federal government affairs, with a specialized focus on infrastructure initiatives. Based in Nashville, Tennessee, and Washington, D.C., Aaron has successfully navigated the complexities of legislative processes, securing critical language in multiple bills and obtaining exemptions from a pivotal FTC ruling during his tenure as Director of Federal Government Affairs for HomeServe USA from January 2021 to February 2024.
His acute understanding of the intersections between public policy and infrastructure development, coupled with a well-established network of relationships within the House of Representatives, positions him as a pivotal figure in advancing the board’s objectives. Aaron's strategic approach to government relations has not only influenced significant legislative outcomes but also positioned him as a key resource in shaping policy to foster sustainable and equitable energy solutions.
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At the Congressional Energy Engagement, Aaron applies his deep understanding of policy, infrastructure, and strategic partnerships to support the board's mission of promoting sustainable energy initiatives. Aaron’s commitment to advancing national infrastructure in a non-partisan, educational manner positions him as a valuable asset to the Congressional Energy Engagement Board.
Richard Johnson
Financial Officer
Richard Johnson brings a wealth of expertise in strategic planning, business development, and fundraising with over two decades of distinguished experience. As President of Richnet Consulting since January 2010, located in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Richard has successfully directed startup campaigns targeting fundraising, strategic partnerships, and brand development. His adeptness at cultivating relationships and managing impactful marketing and communications strategies has driven significant business growth and operational excellence.
Prior to his leadership at Richnet Consulting, Richard served as the Regional Director of Business Development for AOL from 1995 to 2008. In this role, he was responsible for spearheading new business initiatives and enhancing client relationships across the United States. His strategic approach significantly boosted economic and workforce development, underlining his capability to transform business operations and market presence.
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At the Congressional Energy Engagement Board, Richard applies his extensive experience in strategic and event planning, campaign management, and partnership development. He supports the board’s mission of promoting sustainable and innovative energy solutions through educational and non-partisan initiatives, ensuring impactful community engagement and advocacy.
Alex Beehler
Board Member
In 1975, Alex Beehler gained a Bachelor of Arts from Princeton University, before gaining a Juris Doctor from the University of Virginia School of Law in 1978. Subsequently, he spent 25 years practicing law, both in a private environment, and across a number of federal agencies including the Department of Justice's Environmental Enforcement Section. Prior to joining the Department of Defense, Beehler served concurrently as the Director of Environmental and Regulatory Affairs at Koch Industries, and as the Vice President for Environmental Projects at the Charles G. Koch Foundation.
Between 2004 and 2009, Beehler served in the Department Defense, firstly as the Assistant Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Environment, Safety and Occupational Health, and then later as the Acting Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Installations & Environment. He also was the inaugural Chief Sustainability Officer of the department. After leaving the DoD Beehler worked for FaegreBD Consulting, providing environment, energy, and sustainability advice to government agencies; however in 2018, he was nominated to serve as the 8th Assistant Secretary of the Army for Installations, Energy and Environment within the Department of the Army, and was sworn in on January 20, 2019. He served in this role until the beginning of Joe Biden's presidency.
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Beehler remains a member of the District of Columbia Bar, Maryland State Bar Association, and Virginia State Bar.
Carol Lane
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Board Member
Carol Lane leads government relations for X-energy, working with Congress and the executive branch to advance X-energy’s overall business goals and objectives within the confines of U.S. national policy objectives. Before joining X-energy in 2015, Carol was Vice President of Washington Operations and Vice President of Civil and Commercial Space for Ball Aerospace & Technologies, Corp.
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Ms. Lane has more than 20 years of experience in government and private sector working on energy, civilian space, and national security policy. Prior to joining Ball Aerospace, she worked for Lockheed Martin and TRW (Northrop Grumman) in both business and policy roles. Her legislative branch experience includes serving as staff director for the Science, Technology and Space Subcommittee of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation and as a staff member on the Senate Budget Committee, focusing on space and energy issues. Carol served in the executive branch as a presidential appointee in the Reagan administration as the Director of the Office of Commercial Space Transportation in the US Department of Transportation.
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Carol is a graduate of George Washington University. She is currently the President of the American Astronautical Society (AAS) and is former Chairman of the Board for Women in Aerospace, former Vice President of Development for ARCS (STEM education), and a mentor for the Brooke Owens Foundation.
Seth Grae
Board Member
Seth Grae is CEO of Lightbridge Corporation (NASDAQ: LTBR). He leads Lightbridge’s efforts to develop nuclear fuel technology to improve the safety, economics, and proliferation resistance of existing and new power reactors, including small modular reactors. Lightbridge’s proprietary fuel technology promises to make nuclear power – a reliable source of carbon-free electricity –more competitive.
Seth is the Chairman of the American Nuclear Society’s International Council, a member of the Civil Nuclear Trade Advisory Committee to the U.S. Secretary of Commerce, a member of the board of directors of the Nuclear Energy Institute, and a member of the World Economic Forum’s Advanced Energy Solutions Community. He is a frequent speaker about nuclear power at international conferences, at universities, and in the media.
He also led Lightbridge’s advisory roles to governments of countries seeking to start or expand nuclear power programs, from feasibility studies through procurement and operations. Lightbridge developed the United Arab Emirates’ strategic plan for commercial nuclear energy.
In volunteer roles through NGOs, Seth previously helped advise governments in drafting nuclear export control laws, including China and Belarus.
He holds a B.A. from Brandeis University, J.D from American University, LL.M in International Law from Georgetown University and an M.B.A from Georgetown Univ
Ron Faibish
Board Member
Dr. Ron S. Faibish has nearly 23 years of combined experience in the government and industry energy sectors, including extensive work with and within the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) national laboratory complex and other government functions.​
Dr. Faibish leads strategic development for General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems Group (GA-EMS) in the area of nuclear technologies and materials, leading strategic planning and programmtic growth for fission-related technology development and products.
Prior to joining General Atomics, Dr. Faibish worked at Argonne National Laboratory for nearly 14 years, most recently leading Argonne’s Energy Systems initiatives and associated program development. He managed several DOE international engagements on nuclear safety and technology. Dr. Faibish also spent time in Washington as an Argonne detailee, serving as the Senior Advisor to the Director of the DOE Advanced Research Projects Agency—Energy. In this role, he advised the Director on policy, technology and strategic planning.​
Dr. Faibish also served as the Science Fellow with the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, where he worked on major legislation, led the authorship of one of five whitepapers for Senator Lisa Murkowski on the energy-water nexus, worked closely with numerous external stakeholders, and negotiated complex issues related to bilateral international energy legislation, among other accomplishments.​
Prior to joining Argonne, Dr. Faibish worked as a Research Development Manager at the International Atomic Energy Agency, managing multinational scientific research proposals and projects related to peaceful, non-electrical applications of nuclear energy.​
Dr. Faibish received his Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the University of California, Los Angeles. He also completed a certificate program at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.
Andrew Richards
Board Member
Andrew Richards is the Vice President of Government Affairs at TerraPower, where he leads the company’s policy and engagement strategy across federal, state, and international arenas. With more than 15 years of experience spanning both government and industry, he has built a career at the intersection of civil nuclear policy and nuclear energy advocacy, where he has focused on driving congressional, state, and international engagement, legislative development, regulatory strategy, intergovernmental collaboration, and policy implementation.
Before joining TerraPower, he served as Senior Vice President at Boundary Stone Partners, a consulting firm focused on clean energy, climate, and advanced technology policy. There, he led the firm’s Nuclear Energy Practice Group, advising advanced reactor developers, advocating before Congress and federal agencies, partnering with NGOs and think tanks, and collaborating with trade associations to shape federal and state civil nuclear policy.
Earlier in his career, Andrew spent over a decade in the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Nuclear Energy, where he held multiple senior roles, including Chief of Staff and Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary. He advised numerous Assistant Secretaries across several administrations, guided the office through two presidential transitions, and oversaw the execution of multi-billion-dollar annual appropriations. He was the primary interface to the White House, Congress, and federal agencies on civil nuclear energy issues.
During his tenure at the Department of Energy, he oversaw a broad portfolio that included the development of advanced reactors and next-generation fuels, preservation of the domestic nuclear fleet, international commercial nuclear cooperation, spent fuel and waste management, and the stewardship of the Idaho National Laboratory. He also collaborated with the National Nuclear Security Administration on nonproliferation policy, with NASA on space nuclear power initiatives, and with the Department of Defense on micro-reactor development. He regularly worked with Congress, state and tribal governments, NGOs, trade associations, and private industry to support the deployment of advanced nuclear technologies.
Andrew is a graduate of the University of Maryland and serves on the Board of Directors for UCAN Power and the Board of Advisors for Congressional Energy Engagement. He is also a member of the American Nuclear Society.