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Meet Our Founder

Michelle Harstine Headshot.HEIC

Michelle Amante-Harstine, founder and CEO of Congressional Energy Engagement LLC (CEE), brings over 25 years of distinguished experience spanning both the public and private sectors. Her entrepreneurial path began during her time at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Nuclear Energy, where she served as Senior Advisor for Stakeholder Engagement. In this influential role, Michelle forged strategic relationships and introduced groundbreaking initiatives on Capitol Hill.

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Under Michelle’s leadership, CEE has emerged as a powerhouse for government engagement programs, advancing clean energy solutions while bolstering the nation's energy leadership role. While CEE primarily focuses on nuclear fission and fusion technologies, it also collaborates with other clean energy developers, ensuring a broad, inclusive approach to energy innovation. Her impact spans bipartisan Members of Congress, the Administration, C-level industry leaders, and key stakeholders. Notably, she developed the U.S. Congressional Energy Leaders Forum, now known as the Nuclear Policy Leadership Dinner Discussion series under the American Nuclear Society, showcasing her adeptness in coalition building.

Michelle's commitment to nurturing future leaders in nuclear energy is clear in her involvement with initiatives such as “Navigating Nuclear: Energizing our World” and immersive programs for Oak Ridge National Laboratory and university students. Her work consistently crosses traditional boundaries, fostering cross-sector collaboration and helping clients achieve their strategic goals in clean energy transformation.

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Additionally, Michelle works closely with global energy think tanks, universities, and other key stakeholders to drive transformative innovation in clean energy. Her efforts support the advancement of U.S. energy leadership, strengthen national security, achieve and maintain climate goals, and promote energy prosperity for all, all while aligning with and advancing the missions of her clients. Primary work based in Washington, DC, Michelle remains connected to her home in Tennessee. As a sought-after speaker on “How to Work Effectively with the Federal Government - The Importance of Building Authentic Relationships” and “Women, Work and Legacy” she shares insights gained from her extensive experience. Michelle Harstine's legacy is defined by her leadership, strategic communication, and her transformative role in advancing clean energy initiatives, from nuclear to other sustainable energy technologies, across the United States.

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