Employee Spotlight – APM Nuclear Superintendent James “Jimmy” Orth

Behind every successful team are dedicated team members and today, we’re spotlighting one in James Orth. From his start as a millwright apprentice to nearly two decades of outage work across the U.S. and internationally, James “Jimmy” Orth has built a career defined by hard work, leadership, and commitment to high standards. Today, as a Nuclear Superintendent with APM, Jimmy brings deep field experience, a strong safety mindset, and a people-first approach to every job site.

Jimmy’s Journey with APM

Jimmy’s path into the industry started early. After joining the Millwright Union in 2007, during his first apprenticeship class, an opportunity opened for an outage at Vermont Yankee Nuclear Station. Not long after, a recommendation to work for APM set his course and a week later, Jimmy was processed in and working under Superintendent Jeff Campanale. As Jimmy puts it, he was surrounded by “some great millwrights,” and the rest is history.

Since then, Jimmy has worked steadily with APM since 2008, building 18 years of experience while traveling across the country and internationally. Over that time, one thing has continued to stand out for him, the standard APM sets. He says he has been most surprised by “the knowledge and work ethic” across the company, adding that APM is consistently held to a higher standard on jobs and often serves as a model for other contractors during outages — particularly in safety and quality.

Community, Safety, Leadership

As a superintendent, Jimmy’s day starts with shift turnover, a turbine deck walkdown, and coordination with foremen before the morning brief with the craft team. He values those daily conversations, using them to reinforce safe work practices, set expectations, and give employees the chance to raise questions or concerns. What energizes Jimmy most is seeing what teams can accomplish together. He takes pride in being approachable and helping others however he can, while also remembering where he started. That perspective has shaped his leadership style: encourage others, stay engaged, and lead by example.

Jimmy’s view of leadership is deeply personal. After the sudden loss of his father seven years ago, one piece of advice stayed with him: “Be a leader, not a follower.” For Jimmy, true leadership means encouraging others who may need support because he remembers being in their position himself.

Work Life Balance

Time on the road often means missing important moments at home, but he says that also makes his time with family even more meaningful. Whether he is with his family, Tori and Kona, grilling by the pool, taking bike trips, or heading to the Caribbean, he values making the most of his time off.

His advice to future APM team members is simple: stay focused, be engaged, and take opportunities when they come. It is a mindset that has helped guide his career — and one that continues to define the way he works, leads, and lives every day.