Parney Albright named new director of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

Livermore, CA--Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC (LLNS), which manages Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL; home of NIF) for the U.S. Department of Energy, announced that Penrose "Parney" C. Albright was named director of LLNL, and also will serve as president of LLNS.

Albright is the 11th director of the Lab since it was established in 1952. He replaces George Miller, who is stepping down after six years as director and a 40-year career of service to the nation and LLNL. "We have selected a leader who brings a fundamental understanding of the importance of science and technology to national and global security," said Norman J. Pattiz, LLNS chairman. "In selecting a leader for Livermore Laboratory, we have found someone who has credibility in the national security arena and a history of addressing a broad range of complex technical issues for the nation's senior leaders."

"Parney understands how the fundamental and applied science, engineering and computational capabilities of the Lab can contribute to advances in new energy technologies, scientific discoveries and global security," Pattiz added. "He has a strong commitment to, and understanding of, the critical role Livermore Laboratory plays in the weapons complex and to the stockpile stewardship program, along with the National Ignition Facility and National Ignition Campaign."

Albright was selected after a nationwide search that began in June. Albright joined the Lab in 2009 as the principal associate director of Global Security, the Lab’s program for applying science and technology to the nation’s effort in counterterrorism, nonproliferation, defense, intelligence and energy needs.

Albright has more than 20 years of experience in the federal government and the private sector. Prior to joining the Laboratory he worked with Civitas Group, a homeland security consultant in Washington, DC. He has served as assistant secretary in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), assistant director in the Office of Science and Technology Policy and, concurrently, senior director in the Office of Homeland Security in the White House; and program manager with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency. He has extensive experience with interagency and congressional interactions, and was a spokesperson for both the White House and DHS to the press and to the broad national research and development enterprise on issues associated with science, technology, and weapons of mass destruction. He holds a bachelor’s degree in physics and applied mathematics from The George Washington University, and a master’s and Ph.D. in physics from the University of Maryland.

In announcing Albright’s appointment, Pattiz also thanked Miller for his extensive service. "George Miller has given 40 years of his life in service to this nation," Pattiz said. "Building on its incredible history as a premier research and development facility, Miller successfully guided Livermore Laboratory into a new era of science and operations. Our thanks to George for his tremendous commitment; the Laboratory and LLNS will miss his exceptional leadership."

LLNS manages LLNL for the Department of Energy/National Nuclear Security Administration. LLNS is comprised of: Bechtel National, the largest project management contractor in the United States; The University of California, the world’s pre-eminent public research university; Babcock & Wilcox and URS, the top two DOE nuclear facilities contractors; and Battelle, a global leader in science and technology and technology commercialization. The team also includes Texas A&M University, which provides programs in homeland security and national security.

SOURCE: LLNS; www.llnsllc.com/news/pr/LLNSParneyAlbright_NamedDirectorLLNL.asp