With nearly four decades of leadership across the nuclear industry, Tom Marcille has built a career solving some of the world’s most complex engineering challenges. From designing advanced reactors and leading billion-dollar international projects to helping launch groundbreaking energy companies, Tom brings an unmatched depth of technical expertise and strategic vision to Morris. Get to know Tom as he shares his career journey, passion for mentoring others, and excitement for helping shape the future of Morris and the nuclear industry.

Where did you grow up?

I like to joke that I grew up everywhere. I was born in Philadelphia and then moved around quite a bit throughout my childhood, living in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Florida. I spent some of my early years in Willingboro, New Jersey, one of the original Levittowns, and even grew up with Clege Lewis, the older brother of Olympic legend Carl Lewis. My father worked as an executive in the group insurance industry, so we relocated often.

Where did you go to school? What did you study?

I attended high school in Naperville, Illinois, then earned my undergraduate from the University of Florida. I later joined General Electric and graduated from the Edison Engineering Program, where I specialized in nuclear and mechanical engineering.

My early career focused on reactor physics and fundamental nuclear data. Eventually, I became deeply involved in nuclear fuel manufacturing and associated path-state-performance relationships; essentially understanding how nuclear fuel manufacturing processes directly impact how it performs in a reactor. It’s fascinating because multiple fuels can look identical, but the process path they took to get there determines how they’ll perform over time.

What did you do before joining Morris?

I’ve had the opportunity to work across nearly every facet of the nuclear industry.

I spent 17 years with General Electric as a reactor designer, engineer, and experimentalist. During that time, we had to write our own software from scratch, which undoubtedly helped me become a better engineer by requiring an understanding of both theory and application sufficient to create working and useful computer codes.

Later, I served as Chief Engineer of Advanced Reactors at Los Alamos National Laboratory, where I was responsible for the lab’s portfolio of nuclear and Naval reactor programs, and shifted my application focus from physics and applied engineering to operational, client, and contract management. I loved the work and New Mexico but eventually grew frustrated with the bureaucracy and political (lobbying DC Congressman and appropriators) aspects of securing funding.

From there, I joined a NuScale Power, a venture capital-backed startup in California where I became the founding Chief Operating Officer and Vice President of Engineering. I loved the opportunity and challenge to build not only a product but an organization and team from scratch. We grew from just six employees to roughly 300 in the five years I was there before the company was acquired, when I decided to move on to a company with major manufacturing and large project delivery.

In 2013 I became Chief Nuclear Officer for HOLTEC International, one of the largest capital nuclear equipment manufacturers in the US, where I led development of a new small modular reactor program. During that time, I spent nearly half my tenure in Europe, including leading more than $1 billion in capital projects at Chernobyl in Ukraine. Along the way, I developed a reputation as the person people called when difficult projects needed to be turned around.

When did you first become interested in nuclear energy?

It actually started through finance. I purchased some municipal bonds in Jacksonville, Fl tied to nuclear development and became curious about the industry. The more I learned, the more fascinated I became with engineering instead of finance.

When I looked at engineering disciplines, nuclear engineering was one of the least competitive programs to enter, yet graduates were among the highest paid. I believed the world would always need nuclear energy, and I was confident I could build a meaningful career there.

What do you enjoy most about the nuclear industry?

It’s important work. Nuclear energy is the most compact and reliable sources of large-scale baseload electricity we have. It’s safe, clean, affordable, abundant, and incredibly reliable. Nuclear plants can operate for 80 years or more, making them one of the most sustainable long-term energy investments available. The world needs more energy, and nuclear will play a critical role in meeting that demand.

How would you describe your role at Morris?

I’m still figuring out the perfect job description.

At its core, my role is about helping people succeed whether that be our teammates, customers, stakeholders, or partners.

From a business standpoint, I’m responsible for developing the strategy and vision for Genesis and identifying opportunities where Morris can solve real industry problems. We want to understand what customers truly need and leverage our engineering talent to design, manufacture, and deliver meaningful solutions.

What attracted you to Morris?

The first answer is easy: Bill Morris III.

I’ve known Bill for more than 30 years and shared many rewarding experiences with him for decades. When I was considering another opportunity, Bill encouraged me to take a closer look at Morris.

After several conversations with Bill and the executive team, it became clear that everything I’d done throughout my career had prepared me for this role.

But beyond the relationships, what truly attracted me was the culture. Morris has an extraordinary combination of talented people, exceptional products, and a level of trust that’s difficult to find. When people trust one another, barriers disappear. It creates an environment where people can do their best work.

I also see tremendous opportunity to mentor others, which is something I care deeply about.

What’s your favorite thing about Morris?

Besides the swag? The opportunity.

When I look around Morris, I see incredible people, outstanding equipment, and enormous potential. This company is already exceptional, but I believe we can become even more impactful by expanding our products and services into new industries.

Diversifying our portfolio creates stability, not just for the business, but for our employees and customers as well.

What excites you most about the future of the nuclear industry?

We’re entering a true nuclear renaissance. Energy demand continues to grow worldwide, and advanced reactor technologies are moving closer to commercialization. At the same time, there’s a shortage of qualified suppliers capable of supporting that growth. That’s where Morris has an incredible opportunity.

Our goal isn’t simply to “get into nuclear.” It’s to identify specific problems where our expertise, facilities, and manufacturing capabilities can create real value. That targeted approach positions us to become a trusted partner across multiple industries, not just nuclear. The opportunities ahead are measured in trillions of dollars, and nuclear is only one part of that larger picture.

What motivates you?

People. I genuinely want to help people become successful and achieve their goals. I want to make life better for others and use my time in a meaningful way.

Much of that comes from my father. He was one of the most selfless, joyful people I’ve ever known, and his example continues to shape how I lead today.

What accomplishment are you most proud of?

Without question, my family. I’ve been married to my wife, Barb, for nearly 40 years, and together we’ve raised three incredible children. I’ve worked hard throughout my career, but at this point in my life, family matters most.

What strengths do you bring to your role?

I’m a good listener, a critical thinker, and someone who genuinely cares about people. I enjoy bringing teams together, helping people succeed, and creating environments where everyone can contribute their best work. I also believe my relentless work ethic has been one of the biggest drivers of my career.

What advice would you give someone starting at Morris?

Listen more than you talk, be positive, and be thankful.

I also believe there are four characteristics that define great professionals: intelligence, common sense, work ethic, and integrity.

Intelligence is a gift. Work ethic is something you choose every day. Integrity is priceless as once it’s lost, it’s incredibly difficult to earn back. And common sense is often what separates good decisions from bad ones.

Focus on improving each of those areas consistently, trust your process, and have confidence in yourself.

What do you enjoy outside of work?

Golf, exercise and cooking (eating!).

I enjoy making everything from steaks to cakes and pies. When I lived in New Jersey, I joined a volunteer cooking group that prepared meals for elderly residents in the neighborhood. Nobody was making desserts, so I stepped up and became the cake and pie guy.

What’s a fun fact your coworkers might not know?

Before becoming an engineer, I was a butcher.

My father came from a long line of meat cutters, and I eventually became a union meat cutter for Dominick’s grocery stores in the Chicago area … and my oldest son Elliot worked as meat cutter for two years while he was in college.

Any final thoughts?

I’m genuinely excited to be at Morris.

Years ago, my family lived in Wilmington, North Carolina, where we raised our children during their early years. Many of our closest friends still live there, and being closer to them again is incredibly meaningful.

Professionally, I believe Morris is positioned to do extraordinary things. Personally, I couldn’t be happier to be part of the journey.