NuScale Power Appoints James D. Canafax as Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary
NuScale Power Corporation (NYSE: SMR), a pioneer in advanced small modular reactor (SMR) nuclear technology, today announced the appointment of James D. Canafax as its Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary, effective October 20, 2025. This strategic appointment underscores NuScale’s commitment to strengthening its corporate governance, compliance, and legal capabilities as it accelerates the commercialization of its innovative nuclear solutions.
Canafax brings decades of extensive legal and regulatory experience across the nuclear, energy, and manufacturing sectors. His appointment comes at a critical juncture for NuScale, as the company continues to expand its presence in the global SMR market and pursue new strategic opportunities to advance clean energy deployment.
Before joining NuScale, Canafax served as General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer at Maritime Partners, LLC. During his tenure, he was instrumental in establishing the company’s legal department from the ground up, providing strategic guidance on regulatory compliance, corporate governance, and financing initiatives. His leadership helped Maritime Partners navigate complex legal and operational challenges, ensuring the company’s continued growth and robust compliance posture in a highly regulated environment.
Prior to Maritime Partners, Canafax held the position of Senior Vice President, General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer, and Corporate Secretary at BWX Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: BWXT), a leading provider of nuclear components and services to the U.S. government and commercial nuclear industry. In this capacity, he played a pivotal role in overseeing the company’s legal and compliance functions, guiding corporate governance practices, and managing complex mergers and acquisitions. Canafax’s leadership at BWXT also encompassed handling high-profile litigation, facilitating regulatory interactions, and providing strategic counsel to both the Board of Directors and senior executive team.
His role required extensive engagement with key regulatory bodies, including the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), the Department of Energy, and the Department of Defense, giving him unmatched insight into the regulatory frameworks governing the nuclear sector.
“James is an outstanding addition to the NuScale leadership team,” said John Hopkins, NuScale President and Chief Executive Officer. “His deep expertise in the nuclear industry, comprehensive understanding of the regulatory landscape, and proven track record of guiding organizations through critical growth phases make him uniquely positioned to support NuScale at this pivotal moment. His leadership will be invaluable as we continue to drive the commercialization of our SMR technology and advance our position as a global leader in clean energy solutions.”
Canafax expressed enthusiasm about joining NuScale, noting the company’s unique position in the nuclear energy market. “NuScale Power has established itself as a global leader in advancing safe, clean, and reliable small modular reactor technology. Its SMR technology stands out as the only design approved by the NRC, an important distinction that underscores the company’s technological and regulatory leadership,” he said. “I am honored to join NuScale at this exciting time and look forward to supporting the company’s legal, compliance, governance, and business development efforts. It is a privilege to contribute to the deployment of SMR technology, which is poised to play a key role in powering a sustainable future.”
Canafax’s legal and industry credentials are complemented by his academic achievements. He holds a Juris Doctor degree from Harvard Law School, where he developed a strong foundation in corporate and regulatory law, and a Bachelor of Science in International Trade and Finance from Louisiana State University. Further strengthening his expertise in nuclear technology, he has completed the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Nuclear Reactor Technology Course for Executives, equipping him with a sophisticated understanding of nuclear reactor design, safety, and operational considerations.
The appointment of Canafax reflects NuScale’s continued emphasis on ensuring the highest standards of corporate governance and compliance as the company expands its global footprint. As governments, utilities, and commercial partners increasingly prioritize clean, safe, and reliable energy sources, NuScale’s SMR technology is positioned to meet growing energy demands while supporting national decarbonization goals.
NuScale’s proprietary SMR technology represents a transformative approach to nuclear energy. Designed with scalability, safety, and operational efficiency in mind, the company’s reactors provide a flexible solution capable of generating clean energy for communities, industries, and critical infrastructure. By combining innovative engineering with stringent regulatory compliance, NuScale aims to accelerate the adoption of nuclear power worldwide, offering a vital complement to renewable energy sources and advancing global energy security.
“James’ appointment strengthens NuScale’s leadership team at a time of rapid growth and market expansion,” said Hopkins. “His experience advising high-profile organizations, managing complex regulatory landscapes, and ensuring compliance at the highest levels will be invaluable as we navigate both commercial and governmental partnerships. We are confident that his leadership will help us continue setting the standard in the SMR industry.”
