Title: Senior Team Leader
Company: Institute of Nuclear Power Operations & World Association of Nuclear Operators
Location: Acworth, Georgia, United States
Elery M. “Rusty” Shoemaker, EdD, Senior Team Leader at the Institute of Nuclear Power Operations and the World Association of Nuclear Operators, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Engineers for dedication, achievements and leadership in the Nuclear Power Industry.
Dr. Shoemaker has dedicated 45 years to the nuclear power industry, demonstrating a profound commitment to leadership and education. Since 1995, he has served as a senior team leader, responsible for leading corporate peer review teams at the Institute of Nuclear Power Operations (INPO) and the World Association of Nuclear Operators. As such, Dr. Shoemaker has been instrumental in cultivating leaders and empowering individuals, a testament to his passion for teaching and leadership development.
Before his current position, Dr. Shoemaker spent 15 years with Carolina Power & Light (now Duke Energy/Progress Energy Inc.), where he held various positions from 1980 to 1995, beginning as a shift technical advisor and advancing to operations engineer, manager of mechanical systems, project engineer and operations support manager. His tenure there laid the groundwork for his extensive expertise in the nuclear sector, enabling him to develop a thorough understanding of the industry’s complexities.
Dr. Shoemaker’s academic journey began with a Bachelor of Arts in physics from Thomas More University in 1979, followed by a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from the University of Kentucky in 1980. He furthered his education with a Master of Science in organizational leadership in 2012 and a Doctor of Education in organizational leadership in 2022, both from Nova Southeastern University. These academic achievements have been pivotal in shaping Dr. Shoemaker’s career, providing him with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in leadership roles.
Dr. Shoemaker’s professional credentials were complemented by several certifications, including designation as a project management professional from the Project Management Institute Inc., and multiple certifications from the National Academy for Nuclear Training under the INPO, including as an INPO Instructor, INPO Facilitator and INPO event investigation. Early in his career, Dr. Shoemaker received credentials as a senior reactor operator from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission in 1983, a designation he maintained until 1995. These qualifications have underscored his commitment to maintaining high standards within the nuclear power industry.
Dr. Shoemaker is actively involved in several professional organizations, including the American Nuclear Society, as a life member. His dedication extends beyond his profession into civic engagement as a member of Toastmasters International, where he achieved the distinguished Toastmaster designation in 2013. Dr. Shoemaker is also a deacon and Sunday school teacher at the Southern Baptist Church, as well as a supporter of organizations such as the Atlanta Community Food Bank and The Salvation Army.
Throughout his career, Dr. Shoemaker has received numerous accolades, including the Kentucky Colonel award, the highest honorary appointment by the Governor of Kentucky, in 2022. He also received several awards from INPO recognizing his exceptional contributions to the field, including a Team Excellence Award, an Above and Beyond Award and a World Class Award. However, Dr. Shoemaker has drawn the most significant reward from his ability to cultivate leaders and empower individuals in their roles, a commitment that has defined his career.
Dr. Shoemaker’s unwavering faith and strong work ethic, instilled by his parents, have been central to his success. Looking ahead, he plans to continue supporting the nuclear power industry by joining the Nuclear Safety Review Board upon retirement.
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