Mike Schultheis is the Site Vice President of Holtec’s Palisades Nuclear Power Plant, where he leads strategic execution of operational performance, regulatory programs, nuclear safety, and the plant’s historic repowering initiative. In this role, Schultheis is responsible for ensuring Palisades advances toward safe, reliable power generation while meeting rigorous regulatory and safety standards under Holtec’s ownership. Schultheis brings more than 25 years of nuclear industry experience to this role, spanning U.S. Navy nuclear propulsion, commercial power operations, regulatory assurance, and leadership roles at multiple nuclear facilities.

Industry Leadership

Before assuming his current leadership role at Holtec Palisades, Schultheis served as Director of Regulatory and Site Strategies for the Palisades site where he led critical licensing, emergency preparedness, security, training, and leadership effectiveness programs. At Holtec, he has been a key voice in advancing the Palisades restart program—a first-of-its-kind effort to repower a previously decommissioned U.S. nuclear plant. Under his regulatory leadership, the site has navigated complex engagement with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and advanced major regulatory initiatives critical to the repowering effort. Prior to Holtec, his progressive roles in operator training and continuous improvement have included instructor and management positions at Brunswick Nuclear Plant and leadership roles supporting industry evaluation teams, including internationally. His early foundation in the U.S. Navy’s nuclear propulsion program shaped his disciplined approach to safety and technical excellence. His leadership philosophy emphasizes empowerment, accountability, and continuous learning. He is a strong advocate for ensuring high standards of safety are maintained while advancing the nuclear renaissance through innovative approaches.

Education

Schultheis earned a bachelor of science in Nuclear Engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.