Michael Shumate
OPERATIONS MANAGER
Eight Mile,AL
Summary
Nuclear professional with 30 years of Operations experience at Waterford 3. Looking to expand my leadership and analytical skill set in a strategic technical role. Diverse team management and analytical experiences supporting Nuclear safety, Risk Management, Equipment Reliability, Precise Plant Operations and Schedule Adherence.
Overview
1
1
Certification
30
30
years of professional experience
Work History
Operations Manager
WAYMAKER RESOURCE GROUP
COVERT, MI
09.2025 - 09.2026
- Coordinated operations department representation in outage control center at Holtec Palisades Nuclear Station to support unit restart.
- Partnered with on-shift operations crew and work control center to streamline priorities and ensure maximum execution readiness of operations activities.
- Routinely assumed leadership roles for addressing emergent issues, including offsite power restoration, primary coolant pump breaker restoration, and significant in-leakage in quench tank.
- Managed oversight and execution of station major milestone for passivation; encountered discovery issues and resolved during plant heat-up and pressurization to reach passivation conditions.
- Directed daily operations to maintain workflow efficiency and service consistency.
- Led cross-functional teams to resolve bottlenecks and improve process reliability.
- Implemented process improvements to strengthen productivity and reduce operational waste.
- Managed vendor relationships, supply needs, and service delivery standards.
- Sustain oversight of station major milestone for extended-cycle recirculation of secondary system.
- Leveraged long-standing relationships with former nuclear plant personnel to resolve station issues through operating experience and causal product information.
Operations Manager, Support
ENTERGY OPERATIONS INC
Killona, LA
07.2022 - 09.2024
- Oversaw procedures and documentation governing Operations Department activities to ensure compliance and operational efficiency.
- Maintained oversight of the Operations Department Corrective Action Program ensuring adverse conditions were properly addressed including ensuring actions were in place to prevent reoccurrence.
- Managed the site Fire Marshal to ensure compliance with all applicable fire codes. Worked closely with the local fire department to ensure compliance with all agreements made between local resources and the site.
- Managed the site’s Flex Marshal to ensure compliance with all applicable regulatory obligations associated with the Flex Program.
Operations Manager, Shift
ENTERGY OPERATIONS, INC
Killona, LA
09.2022 - 06.2023
- Senior License Holder maintained compliance with all regulatory programs and processes. Provided organizational guidance and leadership for departmental activities, facilitating effective planning and direction.
- Directed daily operations, aligning staffing, scheduling, and workflow priorities with organizational goals.
- Streamlined processes to improve efficiency, reduce delays, and support consistent service delivery.
- Supervised cross-functional teams, providing coaching, feedback, and performance oversight.
Shift Manager
ENTERGY OPERATIONS, INC
Killona, LA
11.2010 - 08.2013
- Oversaw procedures and documentation that governed and controlled departmental activities.
- Supervised shift operations, ensuring consistent coverage, workflow coordination, and service standards.
- Trained team members on procedures, safety expectations, and daily operational priorities.
- Monitored performance, addressed issues quickly, and maintained smooth handoffs between shifts.
Control Room Supervisor
ENTERGY OPERATIONS, INC
Killona, LA
08.2008 - 08.2010
- Monitored reactor and plant systems, maintaining safe operating conditions and procedural compliance.
- Interpreted alarms and instrumentation trends to identify abnormal conditions promptly.
- Coordinated shift turnover, ensuring accurate logs, status updates, and operating handoff.
- Executed operating procedures to align equipment, isolate components, and restore system availability.
- Trained operators on control room practices, emergency response, and regulatory requirements.
- Responded to plant events by directing corrective actions and maintaining crew communication.
- Adjusted control settings to support power maneuvers, startup, and shutdown activities.
Reactor Operator
ENTERGY OPERATIONS, INC
Killona, LA
04.2004 - 08.2008
- Attended plant meetings to discuss and resolve matters affecting nuclear plant safety, industrial safety, radiological safety, and environmental conditions.
- Conducted training as part of “Core Business,” consistently identifying opportunities to enhance performance through targeted training initiatives.
- Monitored reactor parameters and adjusted controls to maintain safe, stable operating conditions.
- Executed startup, shutdown, and power maneuver procedures with strict adherence to operating limits.
- Verified equipment status through rounds, logs, and instrument checks to support continuous plant reliability.
Nuclear Auxiliary Operator
ENTERGY OPERATIONS, INC
Killona, LA
01.1997 - 04.2004
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
- Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
- Worked flexible hours across night, weekend, and holiday shifts.
Education
BS - Applied Science and Technology
Thomas Edison State University
Trenton, NJ04.1996
Skills
- Operations management
- Operational efficiency
- Process optimization
- Project management
- Cross-functional leadership
- Staff management
- Emergency response coordination
- Problem-solving
Certification
2008 Senior Reactor Operator License. Waterford 3, 2004 Reactor Operator License. Waterford 3
Timeline
Operations Manager
WAYMAKER RESOURCE GROUP
09.2025 - 09.2026
Operations Manager, Shift
ENTERGY OPERATIONS, INC
09.2022 - 06.2023
Operations Manager, Support
ENTERGY OPERATIONS INC
07.2022 - 09.2024
Shift Manager
ENTERGY OPERATIONS, INC
11.2010 - 08.2013
Control Room Supervisor
ENTERGY OPERATIONS, INC
08.2008 - 08.2010
Reactor Operator
ENTERGY OPERATIONS, INC
04.2004 - 08.2008
Nuclear Auxiliary Operator
ENTERGY OPERATIONS, INC
01.1997 - 04.2004
BS - Applied Science and Technology
Thomas Edison State University