ONE Nuclear Builds Its Public-Ready Playbook with Key Leadership Hires

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – August 18, 2026 – In a clear signal to Wall Street, ONE Nuclear Energy LLC is methodically assembling the leadership and governance framework of a seasoned public company, well ahead of its planned debut on the Nasdaq. The developer, which is pioneering a dual natural gas and advanced nuclear strategy, recently announced the appointment of industry veteran Ann Anthony as Chief Financial Officer and the nomination of corporate strategist Elizabeth Williams to its board, moves that speak volumes about its ambitions.

These appointments are not just about filling chairs; they are critical components of a deliberate strategy to build an “institutional-grade public company governance structure.” This fortification comes as ONE Nuclear advances its business combination with Hennessy Capital Investment Corp. VII (NASDAQ: HVII), a SPAC transaction expected to close in the third quarter of 2026. With a shareholder vote on the merger slated for August 24, these moves are designed to build confidence and demonstrate a readiness to execute from day one as a publicly traded entity under the proposed ticker “ONEN.”

Forging a Public-Ready Leadership Team

For any company transitioning from private to public, especially via a SPAC in today's scrutinized market, the credibility of its financial leadership is paramount. ONE Nuclear’s choice of Ann Anthony as CFO appears tailor-made for this challenge. Ms. Anthony brings direct, recent experience in navigating the complexities of a de-SPAC transaction, having previously served as CFO of OPAL Fuels Inc. where she guided the company through its own public market transition.

Her background, which includes senior roles at the $2 billion public energy holding company South Jersey Industries, demonstrates a deep understanding of public company financial controls, SEC compliance, and the capital formation required for large-scale infrastructure projects. “Ann Anthony brings an outstanding track record of public company financial leadership, complex capital raising, and rigorous risk management,” said Richard Taylor, Chairman and CEO of ONE Nuclear.

Ms. Anthony herself highlighted the company’s unique market position. “ONE Nuclear is uniquely positioned at the intersection of energy security, rapid industrial load growth, and clean power generation,” she stated. “I am excited to join the team at this transformative stage and look forward to building a resilient capital structure ahead of ONE Nuclear’s pipeline with disciplined project finance, clean controls, and the reporting rigor public investors expect from day one.”

Complementing this financial leadership is the strategic addition of Elizabeth Williams to the board. Nominated as the final independent director, Ms. Williams brings decades of global expertise in corporate strategy and M&A from tenures at industrial and logistical giants like Tenneco, ABB, and Maersk. Her anticipated role as Chair of the Audit Committee is particularly significant, placing a seasoned governance expert in a critical oversight position. Ms. Williams is already the Audit Committee Chair for Hennessy Capital Investment Corp. VIII, underscoring her familiarity with the SPAC ecosystem.

“Deploying reliable, scalable energy solutions to meet modern power needs requires clear strategic vision and disciplined corporate governance,” said Elizabeth Williams. “ONE Nuclear’s integrated strategy and leadership platform are exceptional, and I look forward to working alongside my fellow board members to support the Company’s governance and long-term execution.”

A Board Built for Scrutiny and Strategy

The composition of ONE Nuclear’s proposed seven-member board reflects a commitment to strong, independent oversight—a key factor for investors. With the nomination of Ms. Williams, the board will feature four independent directors, creating a majority that can provide unbiased counsel and accountability. This structure is a textbook example of aligning with corporate governance best practices.

The other independent nominees bring a wealth of relevant experience. Darryl Willis, a Corporate Vice President at Microsoft, is expected to chair the Compensation Committee, bringing insight from one of the world’s largest corporate energy consumers. Kyle Crowley, with over $38 billion in transaction experience from his time at Exelon, adds deep corporate finance acumen. Rounding out the group is Dan Hennessy, a veteran sponsor of public companies who is slated to chair the Governance Committee.

This carefully curated board is more than a compliance measure; it’s a strategic asset. In an era where SPAC deals face intense scrutiny and higher redemption rates, demonstrating a robust governance framework from the outset can be a key differentiator. It tells potential investors that the company is serious about long-term value creation and is prepared for the rigors of public market life.

A Hybrid Strategy for a Power-Hungry Future

The leadership team is being assembled to execute a highly ambitious and timely strategy. ONE Nuclear is not a traditional nuclear developer. Its business model is a pragmatic, two-pronged approach designed to meet the astronomical energy demands of the 21st century, particularly the rise of data centers fueling the AI economy.

The first prong involves a “fast-to-market” deployment of natural gas power generation. The company plans to develop up to 2 gigawatts of gas capacity by 2028, using the technology as a bridge to generate near-term revenue and de-risk its larger, long-term vision. This addresses the immediate and desperate need for reliable power from industrial customers who cannot wait a decade for new energy sources to come online.

The second, more transformative prong is the deployment of advanced small modular reactors (SMRs), projected to begin around 2034. By co-locating these advanced nuclear facilities at its gas-powered sites in places like Texas and Oklahoma, ONE Nuclear aims to create integrated “nuclear parks.” This hybrid model promises to deliver continuous, resilient, and ultimately low-carbon power, positioning the company as a potential first mover in providing hybrid infrastructure for the world’s most power-intensive industries.

As ONE Nuclear prepares for its shareholder vote and subsequent public listing, it is clear the company is leaving little to chance. By securing battle-tested financial and strategic leaders and building a fortress-like governance structure, it is crafting a compelling narrative for investors: one of disciplined preparation, strategic foresight, and a credible plan to power the future.