CONGRESSIONAL ENERGY ENGAGEMENT
Meet Our Founder
Michelle Amante-Harstine, founder and CEO of Congressional Energy Engagement LLC (CEE), brings more than 25 years of distinguished experience across the public and private sectors. Her work is centered in Washington D.C., while remaining deeply connected to Tennessee's nuclear ecosystem, including Chattanooga, Knoxville, Oak Ridge, and Nashville.
Michelle's 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 that role, she forged strategic relationships and introduced innovative Capitol Hill engagement initiatives designed to connect policymakers with energy leaders through meaningful, relationship-based dialogue.
Under Michelle’s leadership, CEE has emerged as a powerhouse in strategic government engagement, designing client-specific Rooms of Engagement that connect Members of Congress, federal officials, C-level industry leaders, national laboratories, universities, international leaders, embassies, and key stakeholders. CEE's work focuses primarily on nuclear fission and fusion technologies, while also supporting an inclusive approach to energy innovation and national energy priorities.
Michelle developed the U.S. Congressional Energy Leaders Forum, now known as the Nuclear Policy Leadership Dinner Discussion series under the American Nuclear Society. She also founded the World Nuclear Congress, the independent U.S. forum for global nuclear progress - essentially bringing the world home - convening leaders from Congress, the U.S. Department of Energy, U.S. Department of State, U.S. Department of Commerce, international governments, embassies, industry, academia, national laboratories, and the next-generation workforce.
Through the World Nuclear Congress, Inside the Hill Studio, and CEE's broader engagement platforms, Michelle creates the space where relationships are developed, understanding is strengthened, and ideas can move from conversation toward meaningful action. Michelle's work consistently crosses traditional boundaries, fostering cross-sector collaboration and helping clients advance their strategic goals. Her efforts support U.S. energy leadership, strengthen national security, advance long-term energy security, and promote energy prosperity while aligning with the missions of the clients and partners she serves.
A sought-after speaker on "How to Work Effectively with the Federal Government: The Importance of Building Authentic Relationships" and "Women, Work, and Legacy", Michelle shares insights gained from decades of experience in leadership, strategic communication, and relationship-centered engagement.