David Coates is the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the Materials and Fuels Complex (MFC), a position he has held since September 2019. In this role, David provides operational and organizational leadership in achieving overall directorate objectives. As the COO, David coordinates with the MFC Associate Laboratory Director to improve directorate performance through the development and implementation of a strategic approach to operations, fostering excellent human performance, nuclear safety culture and integrating MFC improvements with INL. David has an extensive background in nuclear plant operations and management including experience in the U.S. Navy and commercial nuclear power plant operations. Prior to joining INL, David conducted extensive oversight, evaluation and assessment, and assistance activities to promote excellence in the nuclear industry through the auspices of the Institute of Nuclear Power Operations (INPO) and the World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO). David has led performance improvement efforts in domestic and foreign nuclear power plants and domestic and foreign laboratories throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, South Africa, Romania, and France.
David’s areas of expertise include organizational effectiveness (OR), nuclear safety culture, operations, maintenance, work management, training, independent oversight, quality assurance, performance improvement, and operating experience. David has served in various leadership roles at INPO, WANO, Progress Energy (now part of Duke Energy), and the United States Navy. David’s professional activities have taken him to seven foreign nuclear power plants in five countries, over thirty domestic nuclear power plants, Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s High Flux Isotope Reactor & material processing facilities, and Canada’s Chalk River Laboratory – National Research Universal.
