Nuclear Information Technology Strategic Leadership
ABOUT NITSL
The Nuclear Information Technology Strategic Leadership (NITSL) group is a nuclear industry group of all nuclear generation utilities that exchange information related to information technology management and quality issues. NITSL is an organization that brings together the leaders in the nuclear utility industry and regulatory agencies to address the issues involved with information technology used in nuclear-powered utilities. NITSL maintains an awareness of industry information technology-related initiatives and events, and communicates those events to the membership.
Vision
The Nuclear Information Technology Strategic Leadership organization, as an INPO Topical Area, provides a forum for leadership and strategic guidance for the consistent and efficient application and support of information technologies, including business and plant systems that enable the Nuclear Power Industry.
Mission
NITSL establishes a forum to provide leadership and strategic guidance for information technology in the nuclear industry.
Membership
-
to request access to the member utility collaboration database
-
If you are a member and need assistance to reset your password
-
If you are an existing member and need to access the utility collaboration database
Executive Commitee
Alisha Bettcher
Chair
Alisha Bettcher is an IT Manager at Arizona Public Service for the Palo Verde Information Services (PVIS) Business Intelligence and Data Analytics team.
She has worked in the PVIS department for 10 years and has had previous roles as a business analyst and a business relationship manager.
She has been heavily involved with building out the IT Strategic Roadmaps at PV, partnering with the business across multiple departments like Operations, Work Management, Maintenance, Supply Chain and Engineering.
Her involvement with the Equipment Reliability Steering Committee and Technology Executive Steering Committee has allowed for a continuous partnership between IT and the rest of the Palo Verde organization.
Alisha lives in the Litchfield Park, Arizona area with her husband and 3 children.
Mike Peutl
Vice Chair
Cyber Standing Committee Sponsor
Mike Peutl is an experienced IT Manager with a strong background in nuclear operations. He has been working in the industry since graduating from Rochester Institute of Technology in 2006 with a Bachelors of Science in Computer Engineering Technology. Mike began his career at Nine Mile Point Nuclear Station, where he successfully managed various fleet projects, including the implementation of the Fleet Configuration Management System and Wi-Fi expansion at the site.
Throughout his career, Mike continuously pursued professional development, earning a Masters of Science in Information Technology with a focus on Information Security and Assurance from Phoenix University. He also completed a certificate program in the Cisco Certified Network Associate program. In 2019, Mike took on the role of IT Manager at James A. FitzPatrick Nuclear Power Station, overseeing the implementation of crucial site improvements such as the cyber security program, site security computer upgrade, and plant process computer upgrade.
With the recent split between Constellation and Exelon, Mike transitioned to a new position as an IT Manager in Generation Application Operations. In this role, he is actively involved in several major projects aimed at modernizing work management applications, financial tools, energy services and oversight of solution architects. Additionally, Mike’s teams provide valuable support for the day-to-day operations of work management applications, ensuring smooth and efficient workflow as well as guidance on integrations and architecture for new solutions.
Nick Bryant
I&A Committee Sponsor
Communications Chair
Chris Niffenegger
Secretary
SQA Committee Sponsor
Nick Bryant is an IT Engineer Analyst at Joseph M. Farley Nuclear Plant. He has been in this current position since 2010. During his career at Farley, he has supported installation of several site and fleet projects including Fleet Monitoring and Diagnostic sensors, IT Infrastructure into the plant, and Data Historian, to name a few.
Nick also helps support the site infrastructure, wired and wireless, along with various innovation efforts and site projects as those continue to go into a digital realm. Nick currently holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering from University of Alabama – Huntsville.
Nick currently resides with his wife and three kids in Dothan, AL.
Chris Niffenegger began his career in Nuclear Power in 1990 as an Instrument and Control (I&C) technician at the Palisades Nuclear Power Plant. Chris transitioned from working in the plant to becoming an I&C simulator technician performing hardware modifications, calibration of instrumentation, and installation of panels in the simulator.
Chris became an I&C instructor before landing his dream job working in Information Technology. Becoming an SME for cyber security and for Software Quality Assurance (SQA), Chris then transitioned to the IT Manager of Operations and Technology at River Bend Station in Louisiana where he completed the Cyber Security Milestone 8, lead several NRC inspections, and completed two major computer system upgrades.
A new Westinghouse OVATION Plant Process Computer and a Rockwell Collins Security Computer System. Chris continues to deliver his vision of cyber security, SQA and digital unity of plant systems for a safe, secure, predictive Nuclear Plants.
Ben Azdell
Financial Chair
Digital Committee Sponsor
Cathy Przyjemski
Program Administrator
Kevin Sykes
Communications Chair
Ben Azdell worked for City of Columbia's Management & Information Services department as helpdesk manager before transferring to the Engineering department for the City's Water & Light utility. Ben's 11 years of experience with the City of Columbia's IT & Water & Light Engineering departments helped him to become bilingual, speaking both IT & Engineering.
For the last 15 years, Ben has been a part of Ameren – Callaway's Engineering team. Starting as an I&C / Electrical Design Engineer, Ben quickly became familiar with the operation of many different Plant Systems. Ben currently works on the Engineering Fix-It-Now team, supporting a variety of Digital, I&C, & Electrical Engineering projects. Ben is the Qualification Standard Owner for the Digital Design Engineering qualification and supports many Digital modifications and Cyber Security group activities at Callaway.
Ben graduated from University of Missouri – Columbia's College of Engineering with a BS in Computer Engineering, a BS in Electrical Engineering, & a minor in Mathematics. He holds a Professional Engineering license from the State of Missouri. He lives in Columbia, were he enjoys sport bikes, SCUBA diving, Off-roading, & other outdoor activities.
Cathy has worked for NITSL since 2015 and is responsible for the daily operations, conference and financial needs. She also works with vendors to secure sponsorships and participation in the annual conference and maintains website updates. Cathy holds a BS in Business Management with a Marketing Option from Penn State University and an ABS in Business Administration from Penn State.