Nuclear Energy and Stakeholder Engagement
Dr. Kelle Barfield is an internationally-recognized expert on nuclear energy stakeholder engagement with over 40 years of experience in nuclear communication. A retired employee of Entergy Corporation, she began her industry career at the Grand Gulf Nuclear Station in Mississippi, where she advanced through roles including Vice President of Integrated Communications and Director of Nuclear Communications.
She serves as a key advisor and subject matter expert for CRDF Global on civil nuclear stakeholder engagement supporting the U.S. Department of State’s Foundational Infrastructure for Responsible Use of Small Modular Reactor Technology (FIRST) program. Since 2008, she has served as a stakeholder engagement advisor to the International Atomic Energy Agency in Vienna, assisting in the development of nuclear stakeholder engagement guidance documents and conducting workshops and webinars for member states considering nuclear energy programs. She is also a Fulbright Specialist focused on international collaboration and capacity building.
Dr. Barfield holds a Doctorate of Education in organizational change from the University of Southern California, Master of Science in cities from London School of Economics and Political Science, Master of Science in communications management from Syracuse University, and an undergraduate degree in journalism from the University of Texas. Beyond her work in the energy sector, she serves as President of the Warren County, Mississippi Board of Supervisors, contributing to regional economic development initiatives.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
