National Museum of Nuclear Science & History Announces Appointment of Industry Leaders to the Board of Trustees
The Museum of Nuclear Science & History is proud to announce the appointment of six accomplished professionals to the Board of Trustees. This influential group of leaders brings a blend of expertise in fusion science, space nuclear technology, federal defense operations, and community engagement, positioning the Museum for continued growth and impact.
"These six trustees bring an incredible depth of expertise that will enhance every facet of our institution. Their leadership ensures that we remain a leading museum where the public can engage with the complex history and the evolving future of nuclear technology through world-class exhibits and educational outreach," said Toni Hiley, Chair of the Board of Trustees.
The newly appointed trustees include:
- John G. Austin III: A seasoned executive with over 30 years of leadership in commercial utilities and nuclear energy. Mr. Austin has a proven track record in governance, oversight, and organizational transformation, having managed multimillion-dollar budgets and driven performance improvements at the South Texas Project.
- Leighton Burkett: An accomplished External Affairs and Communications Manager with over a decade of experience in the energy industry. Currently with Southern Nuclear, Ms. Burkett specializes in a people-driven approach to building public trust and enhancing organizational reputation through proactive stakeholder engagement.
- Daniel Cheshire: Vice President for Pantex and Department of Defense Operations at TechSource, Inc. Mr. Cheshire oversees critical science and engineering programs supporting national security missions and brings extensive expertise in federal acquisition, contract management, and strategic planning.
- Aaron Jaramillo: The Senior Director of Educational Resources for Albuquerque Public Schools. With over 15 years of experience in K-12 education, Mr. Jaramillo is a recognized advocate for leveraging digital resources and innovative frameworks to drive student success and community growth.
- Dr. Keith LeChien: The co-founder and CTO of Pacific Fusion and an internationally recognized leader in inertial fusion. Dr. LeChien has led high-energy-density physics and inertial fusion efforts at Sandia National Laboratories, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, the Department of Energy, and X Development.
- Patrick McClure: The COO for Space Nuclear Power Corporation (SpaceNukes) and a nuclear engineering veteran with over 35 years of experience. Mr. McClure is renowned for leading the Kilopower project at Los Alamos National Laboratory, where he successfully navigated complex political and safety barriers to develop the first novel reactor concept in decades.
“We are honored to welcome this exceptional group of leaders to our Board of Trustees,” said Jennifer Hayden, President and CEO of the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History. “Their collective expertise ensures that we remain a leading museum where visitors can engage with both the history and the incredible future of nuclear science.”
Meet our New Board Members
John G. Austin, III
About
A seasoned executive with over 30 years of leadership in commercial utilities and nuclear energy, John specializes in strategic oversight, organizational transformation, and operational excellence. Throughout his career, he has held senior roles in engineering, emergency preparedness, and plant operations. He has a proven track record of managing multimillion-dollar budgets, leading accreditation processes, and driving plant performance improvements while mentoring the next generation of industry leaders.
Education
- Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Engineering – University of Florida
- Military Service – Eight-year veteran of the United States Navy
Speaking Topics
- Nuclear Power Fundamentals: A comprehensive course for senior decision-makers covering reactor technologies, operational principles, and regulatory frameworks.
- The Strategic Outlook for Nuclear Energy: Insights into market trends, emerging technologies, and the role of nuclear power in the future energy mix.
Awards & Recognition
- Industry Recognition: Recurring lead instructor for Energy Utility Consultants, Inc. (EUCI), delivering specialized training to energy utility consultants and executives.
"I am excited to join the Museum’s Board because its mission to inspire learning and innovation through science and technology aligns closely with my passion for education and outreach. Sharing the transformative impact of nuclear power and nuclear medicine reflects the Museum’s vision to connect people with ideas that matter."
Leighton Burkett
About
Leighton is an accomplished External Affairs and Communications Manager with over a decade of experience in the energy industry. She utilizes a proactive, people-driven approach to lead cross-functional teams in delivering strategic communication solutions. Her work focuses on building public trust, enhancing corporate reputation, and championing the narrative of innovation and excellence within the nuclear sector.
Education
- Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Information Sciences – The University of Alabama
"Nuclear energy is essential to our way of life and a critical and reliable resource to meet the energy demands of today and the climate goals of tomorrow. I'm honored to join the Museum's Board of Trustees to further its mission to serve as America's resource for nuclear history and science and to reach more people while continuing to educate and advocate for our industry."
Daniel Cheshire
"I am excited to join the Museum's Board of Trustees because I believe in the mission of not only documenting the past, but inspiring the future of nuclear science & technology. As a New Mexican, I think having this institution in our state is a huge badge of honor and I want to be a part of continuing that mission and showcasing what the future can look like."
About
As the Vice President for Pantex & Department of Defense Operations at TechSource, Inc., Daniel oversees critical science and engineering programs supporting the Pantex Plant, the Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center, and the Defense Threat Reduction Agency. He previously served as VP for Contracts & Procurement, where he modernized company practices by implementing FAR-compliant processes. Daniel is a strategic leader focused on team building and the long-term growth of the nuclear industry in New Mexico.
Education
- Juris Doctor (JD) – Western College of Law
- Bachelor of Arts in Government – New Mexico State University
Speaking Topics
- Production-Based Resilience: Insights shared at the Nuclear Deterrence Summit regarding mission-critical infrastructure.
- Small Business Success: Panelist and advisor on navigating the government contracting space and federal acquisition requirements.
Aaron Jaramillo
I am eager to join the Museum’s Board of Trustees to help bridge the gap between complex nuclear history and accessible, modern educational resources for the next generation of learners. I view the Museum’s mission as a vital catalyst for digital literacy and STEM engagement, and I look forward to leveraging my experience in instructional leadership to ensure these stories remain objective, impactful, and inclusive for all students.
About
Aaron is the Senior Director of Educational Resources for Albuquerque Public Schools, where he leads the design of professional learning standards and coaching frameworks. With over 15 years of experience in learning and development, he has driven large-scale digital transformations, including managing enterprise platforms for 75,000 users. A leader in STEM innovation, Aaron developed New Mexico’s first state-approved 7-12 esports curriculum, bridging competitive gaming with career exploration and digital literacy.
Education
- Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instructional Leadership – College of Santa Fe
- Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Communication Design – New Mexico Highlands University
Keith LeChien
About
Dr. Keith LeChien: The co-founder and CTO of Pacific Fusion and an internationally recognized leader in inertial fusion. Dr. LeChien has led high-energy-density physics and inertial fusion efforts at Sandia National Laboratories, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, the Department of Energy, and X Development.
Education
- Ph.D. in Electrodynamics and Pulsed Power Science – University of Missouri-Columbia
Patrick McClure
About
Patrick is the Chief Operations Officer for SpaceNukes and a seasoned Nuclear Engineering Consultant with over 35 years of experience. He is a specialist in nuclear reactor design and safety analysis across large reactors, micro-reactors, and space-based systems. Notably, he served as the Los Alamos National Laboratory lead for the Kilopower project, where he successfully steered the design and testing of the first novel reactor concept in decades by navigating complex political and safety frameworks.
Education
- Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering – University of New Mexico
- Bachelor of Science in Engineering – University of Oklahoma
Awards & Recognition
- Battelle Inventor of the Year – Los Alamos National Laboratory, 2020
- Richard P. Feynman Innovation Prize – Los Alamos National Laboratory, 2019
- R&D 100 Award – For the Kilopower Space Reactor Concept, 2013