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Leadership Backed by Experience

Meet James Boykin

James Boykin brings decades of experience in energy, quality assurance, and leadership, helping clients succeed in highly regulated and performance-driven industries.

Why Clients Trust Us

★  Proven industry leadership
★  Nuclear and utility expertise
★  Strong training and mentorship
★  Quality-driven results

Grid-to-Generator Experience

10+ yearsin Design of T&D Electrical facilities, followed by leadership roles in generation and nuclear operations with NextEra, Duke Energy, and Southern Nuclear.

Technical Mentorship & Training

A decade in education that built strong expertise in training, mentorship, and developing quality-focused teams.

Executive Quality Leadership

Former QA Director at AtkinsRéalis with successful leadership experience supporting Tennessee Valley Authority Browns Ferry projects.

Nuclear Quality Experts

Valerie Rembert Smith is a highly accomplished Technical Professional and the co-founder of Boykin & Smith Quality Solutions (BSQS). With a career spanning over four decades, she is a recognized expert in Nuclear Quality Assurance, Regulatory Compliance, and Project Management. Valerie’s journey is a testament to "Dual Legacies"—combining the technical precision of a pioneer in engineering with a deep-rooted family tradition of education and Southern hospitality.

The Pioneer: Spelman & Georgia Tech (1977–1982)

​Early Pioneer: She stands as one of the early Black female graduates of the Dual Degree program, receiving a B.S. in Mathematics from Spelman College and a B.S. in Industrial Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology in May 1982.
​Academic Discipline: A member of the Spelman Class of 1981, her graduation was marked by a rigorous five-year curriculum completed without the aid of summer quarters.
​The Standard of Excellence: In her final year, she successfully petitioned to carry a 20-credit hour load, overcoming the skepticism of a legendary advisor at the Stewart School of ISyE. The advisor, a key figure in the development of the world's first container ships, instilled in Valerie a standard of operational excellence that remains her hallmark.

The Nuclear Renaissance and Environmental Stewardship


Southern Company (2010–2023)

Driven by a desire to participate in the "Nuclear Renaissance," Valerie spent over a decade at Vogtle Units 3 & 4, serving as ITAAC Program Manager, QA Lead Auditor, and Corrective Action Program (CAP) Coordinator.

Hanford Tank Waste Plant (2024–Present)

As a Senior Quality Assurance Engineer for Bechtel National, Valerie transitioned from new construction to the safe environmental remediation of legacy nuclear waste dating back to the Manhattan Project of the 1940s and 50s.

Regulatory Authority

Valerie has an extensive history of interfacing directly with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to ensure complex projects meet the highest safety standards.

Heritage, Education, and Hospitality


The Family Business

In 1993, following the devastation of Hurricane Andrew, Valerie stepped into the legacy of her mother, Jacqueline Irons Rembert, and generations of educators before her. She spent 10 years as a Mathematics teacher and advisor at Homestead High School.

The Painted Lady (2014–2020)

In Augusta’s historic district, Valerie founded The Painted Lady, a celebrated Black-owned Bed & Breakfast. Recognized by publications like Black Southern Belle, the inn was a landmark of Southern hospitality until its closure during the 2020 pandemic.

Leadership Philosophy

In her most recent position, as a Senior Quality Assurance Engineer for Fluor Mission Solutions and through BSQS, Valerie continues to champion a "Quality First" mindset. Her leadership is defined by integrity in action, comprehensive mentorship, and a resilient vision that has navigated four decades of industry shifts.
Major Projects

Proven Experience Across Critical Nuclear Projects

Our team has contributed to some of the most complex utility, new construction, and DOE nuclear initiatives in the industry.

TVA Browns Ferry Unit 1 Restart

Utility Operations

Vogtle Units 3 & 4 ITAAC Closure

New Construction

Hanford Waste Treatment Plant

DOE / Vitrification

Crystal River 3 Licensing

Legacy Plant Operations

Frequently Asked Questions

Your questions answered about Boykin & Smith Quality Solutions.
Who are your typical clients?

Our clients include:

  • Nuclear utility companies

  • EPC (Engineering, Procurement, Construction) contractors

  • Operations and QA teams seeking regulatory compliance

  • Organizations preparing for nuclear audits, assessments, and surveillances or corrective action improvements
How is BSQS different from other consultants?

Unlike career consultants, BSQS brings direct, hands-on experience in both QA program management and QC field execution. We’ve worked on high-profile projects, including Vogtle Units 3 & 4, and we understand how regulatory requirements translate into practical field processes.
Do you provide on-site support?

Yes. BSQS offers on-site QC oversight, field inspections, and program implementation for projects nationwide. Our hands-on approach ensures that quality processes are practical, effective, and audit-ready.
Why should my organization choose BSQS?

BSQS is trusted for proven, hands-on expertise, a track record of successful projects, and the ability to turn complex compliance requirements into practical, field-ready solutions. We help clients achieve regulatory certainty and operational excellence, giving quality a strategic advantage rather than a cost burden.

Take Your Quality Solutions to the next Level

Contact Boykin & Smith Quality Solutions today for expert guidance in tackling complex quality challenges in the nuclear energy sector. Let our 40 years of hands-on experience work for you.
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