Description of Event
The 83rd Annual Meeting will be held December 1 through 3, 2026 at the Salem Convention Center, 200 Commercial Street Southeast, Salem, OR 97301.
Tuesday, December 1
NRECA Director Education Course
978.1 — The State of Nuclear Energy
Wednesday, December 2
Director Education Course continues
Energy Issues Summit
Thursday, December 3
ORECA Annual Meeting
ORECA Board Meeting
Thursday Evening
Annual Banquet & Auction, including the Annual Awards Ceremony and Concern for Community recognition
A Power-Packed Speaker Lineup
Confirmed speakers for the 83rd Annual Meeting · December 1 through 3, 2026
David Gattie, University of Georgia
David Gattie's research is focused on comprehensive energy policy and integrated resource planning in the electric power sector. He is a Resident Fellow in UGA's Center for International Trade and Security where he engages in collaborative research on energy security and the national security implications of nuclear power. Dr. Gattie also leads UGA's solar tracking demonstration project.
Sam Kem, Senior Economic Research Analyst · Cooperative Finance Corporation
Sam Kem joined the National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation (CFC) as Senior Economic Researcher in February 2022, where she is responsible for managing and developing economic research, writing, and presentations for internal and external audiences. Her current focuses include monetary policy, economic growth, financial markets, and current economic events.
Grace Vanderhei, Nuclear Engineer · Formerly Grace Stanke, Miss America 2023
A proud Wisconsinite promoting clean energy, women in STEM, and empowerment across the world. As a nuclear engineer and a public speaker, she's not looking to change the entire world on her own — she is making the one connection that will start a chain reaction.
Travis Kavulla, Administrator · Bonneville Power Administration (Invited)
Travis Kavulla is the administrator and chief executive officer of the Bonneville Power Administration, sworn in to office on June 29, 2026. Prior to his appointment, he spent more than 15 years in both the private and public energy sectors.