GEORGE MORTENSEN
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Class of 1974
Inducted in 2025 |
George was inducted into the SHSAA Hall of Fame in 2025.
George graduated from South in 1974. He attended Creighton University where he earned a B.S. degree in Physics and Mathematics in May 1978. George then attended Naval Officer Candidate School in Newport, Rhode Island and was commissioned as an Ensign in October 1978. He attended Nuclear Power School and NPTU Idaho Falls, and Navy Submarine Officer Basic School in New London, Connecticut. And then was assigned to submarine USS Scamp (SSN 588) undergoing overhaul in Portsmouth, Virginia. From June 1980 to January 1983, he served as Communications Officer (twice), Chemistry & Radiological Controls Officer, and Machinery Division Officer. He received his gold dolphins (submarine qualification) in December 1981. In January 1983, Lieutenant Mortensen resigned from active duty and then remained in the Navy Reserves for 6 years. In February 1983, George started civilian employment at the Oyster Creek Nuclear Generating Station (New Jersey) as a Shift Technical Advisor (STA). During this time, he also completed licensing as a Senior Reactor Operator (SRO) and qualification as Independent Safety Assessment Engineer. In February 1988, he accepted employment at the Institute of Nuclear Power Operations (INPO), located in Atlanta, Georgia. Until 2015, he worked in various positions at INPO including assignments in Events Analysis, Human Performance, Emergency Preparedness, Training and Qualifications, Operations, and Industry & External Relations. He received qualifications as an evaluator in each of these areas, and led or participated in over 400 assistance visits, 100 plant evaluations/peer reviews, and observed over 300 reactor startups or shutdowns world-wide. In 1998, he received a Senior Reactor Operator (SRO) certification during a 10-month assignment at Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station (Arizona). For the last ten years of his INPO career, George was the External Relations Program Manager, where he performed duties as the INPO liaison with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, U. S. Department of Energy, nuclear insurance companies (American Nuclear Insurers and Nuclear Electric Insurance Limited), Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI), the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). In May 2015, George retired to conduct charitable endeavors with the American Red Cross, American Cancer Society, Humane Society of Cobb County, Cobb County Senior Services, and MUST Ministries. In addition, he has taught nuclear physics and electricity modules at Marietta High School. After retirement, he has conducted six leadership seminars for shift managers at various international locations for the World Association for Nuclear Operators (WANO). George is married to the former Ms. Denise Condon, of Groton, Connecticut, and has one son, Tanner. They live in Marietta, Georgia. Lifetime Notables:
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