TANEO Leadership

Jarred Shaffer

Director

Jarred Shaffer serves as Director of the Texas Advanced Nuclear Energy Office (TANEO), nominated by Governor Greg Abbott on September 18, 2025. As Director, Shaffer is responsible for carrying out Governor Abbott's vision of Texas becoming the headquarters of the American Nuclear Renaissance. In this role, Director Shaffer brings together resources and experts from state agencies, the nuclear energy industry and academia to work together to identify and capitalize on initiatives and opportunities to support the development of the nuclear industry and its workforce in Texas. Prior to his appointment, he served as the Governor’s Energy and Electricity Advisor. Shaffer previously held the role of Committee Director for the Texas House State Affairs Committee, which oversaw legislation related to Texas’ electricity reforms following Winter Storm Uri in 2021. Earlier in his career, he served as a Senior Policy Analyst to State Senator Brian Birdwell and held advisory roles across multiple state agencies.

Shaffer earned a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and Government, with minors in Spanish and Latin American Studies, from The University of Texas at Austin.

Elisa Gleeson

Deputy Director

Elisa Gleeson serves as Deputy Director of the Texas Advanced Nuclear Energy Office (TANEO) within the Office of the Governor, where she supports the development and implementation of Texas’ advanced nuclear energy strategy. In this role, she leads the design and administration of a $350 million grant program to advance the development of the nuclear energy industry in Texas.

Prior to her current position, Gleeson served as Quality Assurance Manager at the Texas Division of Emergency Management, where she led program quality, compliance, and continuous improvement efforts supporting statewide emergency preparedness and response activities. She brings more than 18 years of experience in training and technical assistance and federal grant management, having served in various leadership roles with America’s Service Commissions and the OneStar Foundation.

A native Texan, Elisa holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Texas A&M University and a master’s degree in public service and administration from the George H.W. Bush School of Government and Public Service.