Laboratory announces organizational changes

Contact: Kathy DeLucas, duke@lanl.gov, (505) 667-5225 (04-082)

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LOS ALAMOS, N.M., Oct. 12, 2004 -- As part of efforts to strengthen laboratory operations and the senior management team, Los Alamos National Laboratory Director George P. Nanos today announced a reorganization of his senior management team and the Laboratory's Operations Directorate. Effective October 13, 2004, the Operations Directorate will be split into two directorates that will provide enhanced services and functions to the Laboratory.

"I am convinced that the reorganization of Operations will result in improved operational efficiency and better alignment of professional services," Nanos said. "As we continue to define our future, this is absolutely the right thing to do at the right time."

"The review and restructuring of the Operations Directorate and the assignment of Don Cobb as the new Deputy Laboratory Director demonstrates the dedication of Laboratory leadership to the refinement and strengthening of operations and management," said University of California Vice President for Laboratory Management Robert Foley. "It's a move I strongly support given the complexity and scope of keeping such a diverse institution strong."

The newly formed directorates assemble expertise into a Technical Services (TS) Directorate and a Security and Facility Operations (SFO) Directorate. The Technical Services Directorate will provide services in environmental protection and compliance; project management; performance surety; facility engineering and standards; health, safety and radiation protection; resumption and operational efficiency; and counterintelligence and internal security. The Security and Facility Operations Directorate will provide the expertise to support traditional Laboratory operations such as nuclear and waste operations, security, emergency operations, space management and site planning, and facility operations support. No jobs will be lost in the transition. Some divisions and groups will be absorbed into new divisions to fill the needs of the two directorates as details and budgets are still being finalized.

Also effective October 13, 2004, Don Cobb, Associate Director for Threat Reduction will become the acting Deputy Laboratory Director. Joseph "Cliff" Giles, principal Associate Director for Threat Reduction, will become the acting Associate Director for Threat Reduction.

"Don shares my vision for the Laboratory's future, and his leadership ability and commitment to the success of the Laboratory will play a vital role in the months ahead," said Director Nanos.

Carolyn Mangeng, who has been acting Deputy Laboratory Director, will be the acting Associate Director for the Technical Services Directorate.

"Carolyn brings exceptional skill, insight and experience to the position," Nanos said. "Carolyn's significant experience and involvement in areas specific to the directorate make her an excellent match for this position."

Scott Gibbs, acting Associate Director for Operations, will be the acting Associate Director for the Security and Facility Operations Directorate.

"Scott has shown exemplary leadership over the last several months as acting head of the Operations Directorate," said Nanos. "In addition, he has done an excellent job leading our overall improvements in security at the Laboratory."

Los Alamos National Laboratory is operated by the University of California for the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) of the U.S. Department of Energy and works in partnership with NNSA's Sandia and Lawrence Livermore national laboratories to support NNSA in its mission.

Los Alamos enhances global security by ensuring the safety and reliability of the U.S. nuclear stockpile, developing technologies to reduce threats from weapons of mass destruction, and solving problems related to energy, environment, infrastructure, health and national security concerns.

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