Title: Primary Chemistry Specialist
Company: Entergy Corporation
Location: Jackson, Mississippi, United States
Roland Mays, Primary Chemistry Specialist at Entergy Corporation, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Scientists for dedication, achievements and leadership in Hazardous Materials Management and Energy.
Mr. Mays has established himself as an expert in chemistry over a distinguished career in the energy and environmental sectors. Since 2021, he has served as the primary chemistry specialist at the Grand Gulf Nuclear Station, the largest single-unit nuclear reactor in the United States, located near Port Gibson, Mississippi. In this capacity, Mr. Mays oversees programs that maximize corrosion protection, asset preservation, and environmental protection while tracking and trending data for the chemistry department. He participates in benchmarking initiatives, approves training curriculum and qualification standards, and advocates for equipment reliability with site leadership. Mr. Mays’s responsibilities also include driving broken equipment issues to resolution, guiding sampling and analysis, troubleshooting system performance and developing strategic plans for chemistry operations. Collaboration is central to his role as he interfaces with system engineers, mechanical maintenance and radiation protection teams to ensure operational excellence.
Before his current position, Mr. Mays was a senior nuclear chemistry technician at Entergy Corporation, a publicly traded energy company based in New Orleans, Louisiana, from 2015 to 2022. During this period, he contributed to the safe and efficient operation of the Grand Gulf Nuclear Station by supporting critical technical functions. Mr. Mays’s tenure at Entergy began after a pivotal career decision upon returning to Mississippi from Dallas, Texas. The offer from Entergy aligned with his long-standing familiarity with the company, dating back to his childhood in Arkansas, where a local deacon’s work with Entergy left a lasting impression on him.
Before joining Entergy Corporation, Mr. Mays built extensive experience in hazardous materials management and environmental consulting. From 2012 to 2015, he worked as a hazmat specialist at URS Corporation, now AECOM, applying his expertise in managing hazardous substances and ensuring regulatory compliance. Mr. Mays previously served as an environmental specialist with Readiness Management Support between 2010 and 2011.
Earlier in his career, Mr. Mays spent one year as a government contractor in Iraq, followed by two years in Afghanistan. These overseas assignments provided him with unique professional challenges and personal growth opportunities amid complex geopolitical environments. He was stationed at Camp Liberty in Iraq and Camp Leatherneck in Afghanistan, where he witnessed both the intensity of conflict zones and the natural beauty of these regions. Before his time overseas, Mr. Mays was affiliated with Advanced Environmental Consultants.
Education has played a foundational role in Mr. Mays’s success. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in industrial technology, magna cum laude, from Jackson State University before completing his master’s degree in hazardous materials management on campus. His academic distinction led to induction into Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., where he remains active through alum chapter service projects and volunteerism within his local community. Additionally, Mr. Mays’s collegiate extracurricular pursuits included performing as a snare drummer with Jackson State University’s renowned Sonic Boom of the South marching band.
Mr. Mays’s expertise is further validated by multiple credentials, including recognition as a graduate of Entergy’s RISE Leadership Program and certification, which included a six-month cohort designed for high achievers within the company, direct engagement with executive leadership and the implementation of advanced leadership concepts within his department. Additionally, he received certifications as a hazardous waste manager, certified asbestos and lead project manager, and certified air quality monitor.
Recognition for Mr. Mays’s work has included multiple performance tokens from Entergy Corporation as well as tokens acknowledging his service overseas in Iraq and Afghanistan. He was also featured in Entergy’s blog article “Meet the pros: Roland Mays” in 2025. Mr. Mays credits his success to his upbringing, where he learned discipline, moral integrity and the importance of treating others with respect.
Looking ahead, Mr. Mays is committed to advancing within Entergy Corporation by developing core supervisory skills necessary for department leadership roles while continuing to foster innovation within nuclear chemistry operations. His story reflects not only technical mastery but also resilience, adaptability and a steadfast dedication to professional excellence rooted in strong family values and community engagement.
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