Brookhaven National Laboratory Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

Brookhaven National Laboratory has 10 executives leading key functions including operations, information technology, human resources, and finance.

Driven by discovery science, Brookhaven National Laboratory delivers transformative technology to power and secure the nation's future through pioneering research and Nobel Prize-winning discoveries.

Leadership Roles at Brookhaven National Laboratory

  • Quality Directorate Manager, Business Services & Chief Financial Officer, Reporting To The - Joseph Labas
  • Chief Operating Officer - Annie Emrick
  • Directorate Chief Operating Officer - Michael Cowell
  • Chief Operating Officer, Directorate, Discovery Technologies Directorate - Kristen Rubino
  • Directorate Chief Operating Officer, Nuclear and Particle Physics - Lee Hammons
  • Chief of Staff - Aaron Stein
  • Chief Information Officer - David Salbego
  • Chief of Staff & Manager, Support Services - Alyssa Petrone
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Robert Lincoln
  • Executive Assistant To the Chief Human Resources Officer - Claudia Abad
  • Joseph Labas - Quality Directorate Manager, Business Services & Chief Financial Officer, Reporting To The

    Joseph Labas, the Quality Directorate Manager, Business Services & Chief Financial Officer, Reporting To The at Brookhaven National Laboratory, oversees critical financial operations and ensures adherence to quality standards across business services. Labas manages the laboratory's financial planning, budgeting, and reporting, ensuring fiscal responsibility and strategic resource allocation. This dual role involves implementing robust quality management systems to enhance operational efficiency and scientific integrity. Labas's leadership ensures that Brookhaven National Laboratory maintains sound financial health and upholds the highest standards in its business operations. By integrating financial oversight with quality assurance, Joseph Labas significantly contributes to the laboratory's mission of discovery science and transformative technology. The Quality Directorate Manager, Business Services & Chief Financial Officer is key to the laboratory's sustainable growth and operational excellence.

    Annie Emrick - Chief Operating Officer

    Annie Emrick, the Chief Operating Officer at Brookhaven National Laboratory, directs the comprehensive operational framework supporting the institution's scientific endeavors. Emrick oversees the strategic management of facilities, infrastructure, and essential support services, ensuring seamless execution of research and development activities. This critical role involves optimizing resource allocation and driving operational efficiencies across all laboratory departments. Emrick's leadership ensures that Brookhaven National Laboratory maintains its capacity for pioneering research and technological advancement. By focusing on operational excellence, Annie Emrick directly contributes to the laboratory's mission of delivering discovery science and transformative technology. The Chief Operating Officer plays a pivotal part in sustaining the laboratory's legacy of Nobel Prize-winning research and its commitment to national security.

    Michael Cowell - Directorate Chief Operating Officer

    Michael Cowell, the Directorate Chief Operating Officer at Brookhaven National Laboratory, drives operational excellence within specific directorates, ensuring alignment with the laboratory's overarching scientific objectives. Cowell manages the strategic implementation of operational plans, focusing on resource optimization and process enhancement to support discovery science. This role involves overseeing the efficient functioning of directorate-level operations, facilitating groundbreaking research and technological development. Cowell's leadership ensures that directorates operate at peak performance, contributing to Brookhaven National Laboratory's mission. By enhancing operational capabilities, Michael Cowell directly supports the institution's commitment to pioneering research and transformative technology. The Directorate Chief Operating Officer is integral to maintaining the laboratory's high standards of scientific output and operational integrity.

    Kristen Rubino - Chief Operating Officer, Directorate, Discovery Technologies Directorate

    Kristen Rubino, the Chief Operating Officer, Directorate, Discovery Technologies Directorate at Brookhaven National Laboratory, leads the operational strategy for advancing cutting-edge technological development. Rubino oversees the efficient management of resources and processes within the Discovery Technologies Directorate, directly supporting the creation of transformative technologies. This position involves ensuring that operational frameworks enable rapid innovation and scientific discovery. Rubino's focus is on optimizing the directorate's capacity to deliver novel solutions and breakthroughs. By driving operational effectiveness, Kristen Rubino ensures that Brookhaven National Laboratory continues its legacy of pioneering research. The Chief Operating Officer, Directorate, Discovery Technologies Directorate is crucial for translating scientific concepts into tangible technological advancements.

    Lee Hammons - Directorate Chief Operating Officer, Nuclear and Particle Physics

    Lee Hammons, the Directorate Chief Operating Officer, Nuclear and Particle Physics at Brookhaven National Laboratory, directs operational strategies to advance research in nuclear and particle physics. Hammons oversees the efficient allocation of resources and management of facilities critical for conducting high-impact scientific experiments. This role ensures that operational frameworks directly support the directorate's pioneering research and technological development goals. Hammons' leadership focuses on optimizing processes to facilitate groundbreaking discoveries in fundamental science. By enhancing operational capabilities within the Nuclear and Particle Physics Directorate, Lee Hammons significantly contributes to Brookhaven National Laboratory's mission. The Directorate Chief Operating Officer is instrumental in maintaining the laboratory's leadership in advanced physics research.

    Aaron Stein - Chief of Staff

    Aaron Stein, the Chief of Staff at Brookhaven National Laboratory, directs strategic initiatives and operational alignment across key laboratory functions. Stein manages critical projects that advance the laboratory's mission of discovery science and transformative technology. This role involves close collaboration with senior leadership to ensure efficient execution of research and development objectives. Stein's oversight extends to optimizing internal processes and fostering a culture of innovation. By coordinating departmental efforts, Stein ensures that Brookhaven National Laboratory effectively supports the U.S. Department of Energy's goals. Aaron Stein drives the strategic implementation of laboratory-wide policies and programs, contributing directly to the institution's pioneering research legacy and its impact on national security and scientific advancement.

    David Salbego - Chief Information Officer

    David Salbego, the Chief Information Officer at Brookhaven National Laboratory, architects and executes the laboratory's comprehensive information technology strategy. Salbego oversees the development and maintenance of robust IT infrastructure, ensuring secure and efficient data management for groundbreaking scientific research. This leadership position involves guiding digital transformation initiatives and implementing advanced technological solutions to support discovery science. Salbego's responsibilities include managing cybersecurity protocols and ensuring compliance with federal data protection standards. By driving innovation in IT services, David Salbego empowers researchers with the tools necessary for scientific breakthroughs and enhances the laboratory's operational resilience. The Chief Information Officer ensures that Brookhaven National Laboratory remains at the forefront of technological integration in research.

    Alyssa Petrone - Chief of Staff & Manager, Support Services

    Alyssa Petrone, the Chief of Staff & Manager, Support Services at Brookhaven National Laboratory, orchestrates critical administrative functions and oversees essential support services. Petrone manages strategic projects that enhance operational efficiency and facilitate the laboratory's core mission of discovery science. This dual role involves ensuring the effective delivery of support functions, including logistics and resource management, to enable pioneering research. Petrone's leadership ensures that Brookhaven National Laboratory operates with optimal effectiveness and resource utilization. By integrating strategic oversight with direct management of support services, Alyssa Petrone significantly contributes to the laboratory's capacity for transformative technology development. The Chief of Staff & Manager, Support Services ensures seamless operational flow and robust support for all scientific initiatives.

    Robert Lincoln - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Robert Lincoln, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Brookhaven National Laboratory, directs the comprehensive human capital strategy to support the institution's scientific mission. Lincoln oversees talent acquisition, development, and retention initiatives, ensuring Brookhaven National Laboratory attracts and retains world-class scientific and technical talent. This leadership role involves fostering a positive and productive work environment that encourages innovation and collaboration. Lincoln's responsibilities include developing and implementing HR policies that align with the laboratory's commitment to discovery science and transformative technology. By championing employee engagement and professional growth, Robert Lincoln significantly contributes to the laboratory's sustained success and its pioneering research efforts. The Chief Human Resources Officer is vital for building and maintaining a high-performing workforce.

    Claudia Abad - Executive Assistant To the Chief Human Resources Officer

    Claudia Abad, the Executive Assistant To the Chief Human Resources Officer at Brookhaven National Laboratory, provides critical administrative and strategic support to the human resources leadership. Abad manages complex scheduling, coordinates key meetings, and facilitates communication to ensure the smooth operation of HR initiatives. This role involves handling sensitive information and supporting the execution of talent management and employee relations strategies. Abad's diligent support enables the Chief Human Resources Officer to effectively drive initiatives that foster a robust and innovative workforce. By ensuring efficient administrative processes, Claudia Abad contributes to Brookhaven National Laboratory's ability to attract and retain top scientific talent. The Executive Assistant plays an essential part in the effective functioning of the human resources department.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Brookhaven National Laboratory Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Brookhaven National Laboratory?
    Brookhaven National Laboratory is led by Joseph Labas (Quality Directorate Manager, Business Services & Chief Financial Officer, Reporting To The), along with executives such as Annie Emrick (Chief Operating Officer) and Michael Cowell (Directorate Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of Brookhaven National Laboratory’s executive team?
    The executive team of Brookhaven National Laboratory includes leaders such as Joseph Labas (Quality Directorate Manager, Business Services & Chief Financial Officer, Reporting To The), Annie Emrick (Chief Operating Officer), Michael Cowell (Directorate Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Brookhaven National Laboratory have?
    Brookhaven National Laboratory has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Brookhaven National Laboratory’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Brookhaven National Laboratory includes roles such as Quality Directorate Manager, Business Services & Chief Financial Officer, Reporting To The, Chief Operating Officer, Directorate Chief Operating Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Directorate, Discovery Technologies Directorate, Directorate Chief Operating Officer, Nuclear and Particle Physics.