Alicia R. Knapp serves as President – Nuclear Development at American Electric Power (AEP), where she leads the company’s strategic initiatives to expand its carbon-free nuclear energy portfolio. In this role, she oversees the development and deployment of advanced nuclear technologies, including small modular reactors (SMRs) and next-generation fission projects, positioning AEP as a leader in clean, reliable baseload power. Knapp’s leadership emphasizes innovation, regulatory excellence, and operational safety to meet growing energy demands while advancing decarbonization goals. With over 30 years of experience in the nuclear industry, Knapp has held senior executive positions at major utilities, including Chief Nuclear Officer at Talen Energy, where she managed a fleet of nuclear plants and drove performance improvements that enhanced safety and reliability. Previously, at Entergy Nuclear, she served as Vice President of Nuclear Operations and Regulatory Affairs, successfully navigating complex NRC inspections and leading plant restarts that restored critical generation capacity. Her career also includes key roles at Exelon Generation and Northeast Utilities, where she championed fleet-wide safety culture transformations and regulatory compliance initiatives. Knapp’s achievements include receiving the Nuclear Energy Institute’s top industry awards for operational excellence and her pivotal role in advancing U.S. nuclear policy through industry associations. A proven leader in fostering high-performing teams, she holds a Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Engineering from the University of Tennessee and advanced certifications in nuclear operations, bringing unparalleled expertise to AEP’s ambitious nuclear development agenda.