Dennis Koehl is senior vice president and chief nuclear officer for Xcel Energy. He is responsible for activities at Xcel Energy’s Prairie Island and Monticello nuclear plants, both located in Minnesota and operated by Northern States Power Co.-Minnesota, an Xcel Energy company. Koehl has more than 30 years of experience in the nuclear industry, including positions of increasing responsibility at Tennessee Valley Authority’s Sequoyah and Watts Bar nuclear plants. He has a diverse background in operations, assessment, engineering and plant performance. Koehl serves on the board of directors for the Boy Scouts of America Northern Star Council and is vice chairman of the board of directors for Utilities Service Alliance Inc. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md. He also served in the U.S. Navy, aboard the U.S.S. Patrick Henry nuclear-powered submarine.