Dear UCOR Team:
As I reflect on my time with UCOR, I am filled with gratitude for the extraordinary workforce that has made our success possible. Together, we have safely delivered on one of the Department of Energy’s most complex cleanup missions, often ahead of schedule and under budget—while setting new standards for safety, productivity, risk reduction, innovation, and community impact.
After more than four decades in this industry, I want to share with you my personal decision to retire from my role as President and CEO of UCOR at the end of March 2026. This has not been an easy decision because serving alongside you has been one of the greatest honors of my career.
At the same time, I am pleased to let you know that my work with UCOR will not end. Beginning in April 2026, I will continue supporting this incredible company and its future leadership in a part-time capacity as an Executive Board Director. In this role, I will serve on the UCOR Board of Directors, support the next CEO as a strategic advisor, and continue to strengthen relationships with our stakeholders, workforce, and community partners. My duty station will remain here in Oak Ridge, and my focus will be on ensuring a smooth leadership transition and advancing the long-term strategic vision of UCOR.
I want you to know how deeply proud I am of what we have accomplished together. From completing the largest Superfund cleanup in U.S. history ahead of schedule and under budget, to delivering billions in taxpayer savings, enabling historic land reuse, and building a foundation for next-generation nuclear innovation, none of this would have been possible without your skill, dedication, and unwavering commitment to UCOR’s culture of caring and excellence.
I am confident UCOR’s best days are still ahead. I look forward to walking with you through this transition, supporting the new CEO and President, and continuing to champion the mission we have built together. Thank you for allowing me the privilege of serving as your CEO, and for the incredible teamwork and spirit you bring to our work every day to deliver our “cleanup today for a nuclear tomorrow” brand.
With deep gratitude,
Ken Rueter
UCOR President & Chief Executive Officer
