Brookhaven National Laboratory Executive and Leadership Team

June, 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, building on over 70 years of pioneering research and Nobel Prize-winning breakthroughs.

Leadership Roles at Brookhaven National Laboratory

  • Quality Directorate Manager, Business Services & Chief Financial Officer, Reporting To The - Joseph Labas
  • Directorate Chief Operating Officer, Nuclear and Particle Physics - Lee Hammons
  • Chief Operating Officer, Directorate, Discovery Technologies Directorate - Kristen Rubino
  • Directorate Chief Operating Officer - Michael Cowell
  • Chief of Staff - Aaron Stein
  • Deputy Chief Information Officer & Chief Information Security Officer - Ian Ballantyne
  • Chief of Staff & Manager, Support Services - Alyssa Petrone
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Robert Lincoln
  • Division Chief Information Officer, Information Technology - David Salbego
  • Chief of Staff & Manager, Support Services - Alyssa Petrone
  • 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, directs financial operations and ensures quality standards across business services. Labas oversees budgeting, financial planning, and reporting, providing critical insights to support strategic decision-making and resource allocation. This executive position is essential for maintaining the financial health and operational integrity of the laboratory. The Quality Directorate Manager, Business Services & Chief Financial Officer, Reporting To The champions quality management systems and process improvements that enhance efficiency and compliance. Joseph Labas's financial acumen and commitment to quality are vital for Brookhaven's sustained success in scientific discovery and technological advancement.

    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 the operational framework supporting groundbreaking research in nuclear and particle physics. Hammons ensures the efficient allocation of resources, management of facilities, and implementation of strategic objectives within this specialized directorate. This role is vital for enabling the laboratory's pioneering work, including Nobel Prize-winning discoveries. The Directorate Chief Operating Officer, Nuclear and Particle Physics oversees complex project management and operational logistics, facilitating seamless scientific exploration. Lee Hammons's operational leadership is fundamental to advancing the frontiers of physics and delivering transformative technology for national security.

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

    Kristen Rubino, the Chief Operating Officer, Directorate, Discovery Technologies Directorate at Brookhaven National Laboratory, drives operational excellence within the discovery technologies division. Rubino oversees the strategic implementation of technologies that accelerate scientific breakthroughs and enhance national security capabilities. This leadership position involves managing complex projects, optimizing resource allocation, and ensuring the efficient functioning of research infrastructure. The Chief Operating Officer, Directorate, Discovery Technologies Directorate fosters innovation and collaboration to push the boundaries of scientific exploration. Kristen Rubino's operational acumen is essential for translating cutting-edge research into tangible technological advancements and securing Brookhaven's position at the forefront of discovery.

    Michael Cowell - Directorate Chief Operating Officer

    Michael Cowell, the Directorate Chief Operating Officer at Brookhaven National Laboratory, drives operational efficiency and strategic execution across key directorates. Cowell oversees the management of resources, facilities, and project lifecycles to support the laboratory's mission of discovery science and transformative technology. This leadership role is critical for ensuring that research initiatives are supported by robust operational frameworks. The Directorate Chief Operating Officer manages complex logistical challenges and implements best practices to optimize performance. Michael Cowell's operational expertise is instrumental in advancing Brookhaven's pioneering research and contributing to national security objectives.

    Aaron Stein - Chief of Staff

    Aaron Stein, the Chief of Staff at Brookhaven National Laboratory, directs strategic initiatives and operational alignment across the organization. Stein manages key 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 goals. Stein also oversees internal communications and stakeholder engagement, fostering a cohesive environment that supports Brookhaven's pioneering research. The Chief of Staff ensures that strategic priorities translate into actionable plans, driving progress in areas critical to national security and scientific advancement. Aaron Stein's leadership ensures operational readiness and strategic focus for the laboratory's diverse scientific endeavors.

    Ian Ballantyne - Deputy Chief Information Officer & Chief Information Security Officer

    Ian Ballantyne, the Deputy Chief Information Officer & Chief Information Security Officer at Brookhaven National Laboratory, architects and executes robust information technology strategies and cybersecurity protocols. Ballantyne oversees the protection of sensitive research data and critical infrastructure, ensuring compliance with stringent federal regulations. This leadership position involves managing the laboratory's IT operations, including network security, data management, and system reliability, to support Brookhaven's mission of discovery science. The Deputy Chief Information Officer & Chief Information Security Officer drives innovation in IT solutions that enhance research capabilities and operational efficiency. Ian Ballantyne's expertise is crucial for safeguarding the laboratory's digital assets and maintaining its technological edge in a complex threat landscape.
    Ian Ballantyne

    Alyssa Petrone - Chief of Staff & Manager, Support Services

    Alyssa Petrone, the Chief of Staff & Manager, Support Services at Brookhaven National Laboratory, spearheads the strategic direction and operational efficiency of essential support functions. Petrone manages critical services that underpin the laboratory's research endeavors, ensuring seamless integration with scientific objectives. This dual role involves optimizing resource deployment and enhancing service delivery across various departments. The Chief of Staff & Manager, Support Services drives initiatives that improve operational performance and support the laboratory's mission of discovery science and technological advancement. Alyssa Petrone's leadership ensures that support services are robust, responsive, and aligned with Brookhaven's commitment to pioneering research and national impact.

    Robert Lincoln - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Robert Lincoln, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Brookhaven National Laboratory, directs comprehensive human capital strategies to support the organization's scientific and technological mission. Lincoln oversees talent acquisition, development, and retention programs, ensuring a highly skilled workforce capable of pioneering research. This executive role is critical for fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and excellence. The Chief Human Resources Officer manages employee relations, compensation, and benefits, aligning HR policies with Brookhaven's strategic goals. Robert Lincoln's leadership ensures that the laboratory attracts and retains top scientific and technical talent, driving its continued success in discovery science and transformative technology.

    David Salbego - Division Chief Information Officer, Information Technology

    David Salbego, the Division Chief Information Officer, Information Technology at Brookhaven National Laboratory, leads the strategic development and implementation of information technology solutions across the organization. Salbego oversees the IT infrastructure, ensuring its reliability, security, and scalability to support advanced research and operational needs. This role is pivotal in leveraging technology to drive discovery science and enhance national security. The Division Chief Information Officer, Information Technology manages IT services, data management, and cybersecurity initiatives, aligning technology roadmaps with Brookhaven's long-term objectives. David Salbego's technical leadership ensures that the laboratory remains at the cutting edge of technological innovation.

    Alyssa Petrone - Chief of Staff & Manager, Support Services

    Alyssa Petrone, the Chief of Staff & Manager, Support Services at Brookhaven National Laboratory, spearheads the strategic direction and operational efficiency of essential support functions. Petrone manages critical services that underpin the laboratory's research endeavors, ensuring seamless integration with scientific objectives. This dual role involves optimizing resource deployment and enhancing service delivery across various departments. The Chief of Staff & Manager, Support Services drives initiatives that improve operational performance and support the laboratory's mission of discovery science and technological advancement. Alyssa Petrone's leadership ensures that support services are robust, responsive, and aligned with Brookhaven's commitment to pioneering research and national impact.

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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 Lee Hammons (Directorate Chief Operating Officer, Nuclear and Particle Physics) and Kristen Rubino (Chief Operating Officer, Directorate, Discovery Technologies Directorate).
    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), Lee Hammons (Directorate Chief Operating Officer, Nuclear and Particle Physics), Kristen Rubino (Chief Operating Officer, Directorate, Discovery Technologies Directorate) 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, Directorate Chief Operating Officer, Nuclear and Particle Physics, Chief Operating Officer, Directorate, Discovery Technologies Directorate, Directorate Chief Operating Officer, Chief of Staff.