The CNEA presented its new authorities, with experts and technicians in the most important areas of the sector

The National Atomic Energy Commission (CNEA) presented its new authorities for the most important positions in the sector, as part of an internal reconfiguration process aimed at aligning its operations with the guidelines of the Argentine Nuclear Policy 2026.

The presentation took place during the first cabinet meeting led by the president of the agency, Martín Porro, alongside officials from the Secretariat of Nuclear Affairs.

The meeting included the participation of the Secretary of Nuclear Affairs, Federico Ramos Napoli; the Undersecretary of Nuclear Policies, Ayelén Giomi; and the legal advisor of the Secretariat, Melina Díaz. There, the strategic objectives defined by the Government of Javier Milei were reviewed, and the next operational steps for the agency were outlined.

“This morning at the CNEA headquarters, we held the first Cabinet meeting with the new Area Managers who are joining the team following the changes we have been promoting in this agency,” Porro stated in an official communication.

In this context, he highlighted the profile of the new team of experts and technicians: “I am deeply proud of the excellent professional and specialized team we have assembled, and I would like to highlight their experience and wish each of them the best in their management.”

The new authorities

The appointments cover central areas for the Argentine nuclear development. In Nuclear Energy, Pablo Katz, an industrial engineer with two decades of experience in the sector, was appointed, who participated in projects such as the dry storage of spent fuels from Atucha I and II, as well as in the life extension of the Atucha I Nuclear Power Plant.

In Research and Development of Large Projects, María Magdalena Villaverde, a doctor in Chemical Engineering with a background in nuclear safety at the Bariloche Atomic Center, where she worked on severe accident analysis and engineering system integration, took over.

Meanwhile, the area of Nuclear Applications in Health is now led by Néstor Abel Pérez Baliño, a cardiologist with experience in both clinical and public management, including roles such as Deputy Minister of Health of the Nation.

In the area of Nuclear Fuel Cycle, Luis Eduardo López, a geologist with experience in raw material exploration and connections with international organizations such as the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), where he has held representative roles, was appointed.

On the other hand, Norberto Ariel Novello took on the role of Area Manager for Production of Radioisotopes and Radiation Applications.

With an extensive career at CNEA since 1996, he was responsible for radiological protection, safeguards, and physical security at the fission production plant, in addition to holding coordination positions at the Ezeiza Atomic Center. He also served as an inspector for ABACC and participated in the commissioning of facilities in Egypt.

In Nuclear Safety and Environment, María Cecilia Veltrán was appointed, with experience in radiological protection, emergencies, and safeguards, both nationally and in international projects.

Meanwhile, Juan Ferrer is in charge of the Institutional Coordination area, with a profile oriented towards international cooperation and Argentine representation in spaces such as the IAEA and the ARCAL agreement.

Finally, the Operational and Administrative Coordination will be led by Ignacio Bruera, a specialist in public sector financial administration, with a background in corporate management within Dioxitek S.A.

The presentation of the technical and professional team occurs in parallel to a reorganization process aimed at redefining priorities and accelerating the implementation of new policies to promote the nuclear development of Argentina.