David Amerine M.S. Nuc.Eng.

David B. Amerine, M.S.

Senior Lecturer | Nuclear Operations and Project Consultant | Author | U.S. Naval Officer (Ret.)

David B. Amerine is a distinguished figure in the American nuclear industry, renowned for his unparalleled record in high-stakes project recovery, operational excellence, and leadership within both the commercial and defense nuclear sectors. With over 45 years of experience, Amerine's name has become synonymous with integrity, mission-critical performance, and a rare ability to restore trust in even the most complex and embattled operations.

After graduating from the United States Naval Academy, Amerine launched his career in the U.S. Navy’s nuclear power program, where he rose through the ranks and earned a Master of Science in Management Science from the prestigious Naval Postgraduate School. His early work aboard nuclear submarines forged the bedrock of his technical expertise and ethical leadership.

Following his Navy service, Amerine joined Westinghouse at the Department of Energy's Hanford Site, where he served as Shift Operations Manager and then Refueling Manager for the Fast Flux Test Facility—the United States’ flagship prototype breeder reactor. This marked the beginning of a storied civilian career in both commercial nuclear power and the Department of Energy's national nuclear complex.

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Amerine held pivotal leadership roles in commercial nuclear stations including the Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station, the largest in the country, and Davis-Besse Nuclear Power Station. At Davis-Besse, he was instrumental in navigating the facility through a critical recovery period, pioneering multidisciplinary task forces that blended engineering precision with operations acumen. His capacity to foster Safety Conscious Work Environments (SCWE) became a hallmark of his later work, particularly during his tenure as Vice President of Engineering and Services at Millstone Nuclear Power Station, following an NRC-mandated shutdown.

In the DOE complex, Amerine's legacy includes turnaround leadership at the Replacement Tritium Facility, Defense Waste Processing Facility, and the Salt Waste Processing Facility. These sites, essential to national defense and environmental stewardship, benefited from his keen focus on operational discipline, transparent communication, and relentless accountability.

As Executive Vice President of Washington Government, a $2.5 billion unit within Washington Group International, Amerine oversaw integrated safety and conduct-of-operations initiatives across multiple DOE sites. He later served as EVP and Deputy GM at CH2M Hill Nuclear Business Group, managing six major DOE facilities and leading reforms in budgeting, performance metrics, and staffing.

In 2010, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) halted operations at Nuclear Fuel Services (NFS)—the sole supplier of nuclear fuel to the U.S. Navy. Amerine was appointed President of NFS, where he once again demonstrated his exceptional leadership. Under his guidance, the plant regained full operation and the confidence of the NRC, the Department of Energy, and the Office of Naval Reactors.

Amerine retired in 2011 but remains deeply engaged in mentoring future leaders through his acclaimed book, Push It to Move It: Lessons Learned from a Career in Nuclear Project Management, now in its second edition. A blend of memoir and management manual, the book offers invaluable insight into leadership, safety, project management, and ethics in high-stakes environments.

In retirement, Amerine continues to serve his community as a volunteer firefighter and rescue team member on Catawba Island, Ohio, where he resides. He is a member of the Catawba Island Club, actively involved in local politics, and a frequent speaker on leadership, safety, and the future of energy infrastructure.

Amerine was married for 50 years to his beloved wife, Cynthia Marie (Brigandi) Amerine, whose legacy of service, resilience, and artistic spirit continues to inspire. Together, they raised two daughters, Erin and Alyssa, and were blessed with five grandchildren. Cindy’s own life story—from Navy wife to Red Cross heroine—was as impactful as David’s, and her passing in 2018 from ALS led to the creation of the ALS Odyssey Anthem, now adopted by the ALS Association.

David Amerine’s legacy is a testament to the power of principled leadership. In every role—whether refueling a breeder reactor, rebuilding a national facility, or guiding the next generation—his unwavering commitment to excellence, accountability, and human dignity has made him a pillar of the nuclear industry and a mentor to all who follow.