Fermilab Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

Fermilab has 7 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, technology, finance, administration, human resources, and institutional leadership.

Dedicated to advancing high-energy particle physics, Fermilab drives scientific discovery through cutting-edge research and global collaboration to unlock the fundamental mysteries of the universe.

Leadership Roles at Fermilab

  • Chief Executive Officer - Ali Nipadimi
  • Chief Financial Officer - Vanessa Peoples
  • Deputy Chief Operating Officer At Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory - Marc Clay
  • President - Susan Dahl
  • Chief of Staff - Hema Ramamoorthi
  • Chief Technology Officer - Anna Grassellino
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Velma Gordon
  • Ali Nipadimi - Chief Executive Officer

    Ali Nipadimi, the Chief Executive Officer at Fermilab, directs the overarching strategic vision for high-energy particle physics research. Nipadimi manages the laboratory's complex relationships with the United States Department of Energy while ensuring alignment with national scientific priorities. By overseeing large-scale experimental programs, the Chief Executive Officer fosters an environment of innovation and rigorous inquiry. Ali Nipadimi coordinates with the Board to secure funding and resources necessary for maintaining global leadership in accelerator science. This executive role involves balancing long-term research goals with immediate operational requirements to sustain the laboratory's competitive edge. Through precise resource allocation and clear communication of scientific objectives, the Chief Executive Officer maintains the integrity of the research mission. Nipadimi drives the organizational culture toward excellence, ensuring that every department contributes effectively to the broader goal of understanding the fundamental nature of matter and energy.

    Vanessa Peoples - Chief Financial Officer

    Vanessa Peoples, the Chief Financial Officer at Fermilab, manages the fiscal health and budgetary planning for the laboratory's extensive research portfolio. Peoples oversees the allocation of federal funding and private grants to ensure that scientific projects receive consistent financial support. By implementing rigorous financial controls, the Chief Financial Officer maintains transparency and accountability across all departments. Vanessa Peoples coordinates with government agencies to report on financial performance and project milestones. This role involves analyzing long-term fiscal trends to predict future resource needs for large-scale physics experiments. Through the optimization of procurement processes and cost management strategies, the Chief Financial Officer maximizes the impact of every dollar spent on research. Peoples directs the financial planning teams to ensure that the laboratory meets its operational objectives while adhering to strict regulatory standards. By securing the financial foundation of the institution, the Chief Financial Officer enables the pursuit of ambitious scientific goals.

    Marc Clay - Deputy Chief Operating Officer At Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory

    Marc Clay, the Deputy Chief Operating Officer At Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory at Fermilab, executes the operational strategies required to maintain the laboratory's massive physical infrastructure. Clay oversees the maintenance and safety protocols for the accelerator complex, ensuring that all facilities operate at peak efficiency. By managing the logistics of large-scale experimental setups, the Deputy Chief Operating Officer At Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory supports the daily needs of the research staff. Marc Clay coordinates with facility managers to implement upgrades that improve reliability and safety standards. This role involves overseeing the physical plant operations and ensuring compliance with environmental and safety regulations. Through the application of systematic maintenance schedules, the Deputy Chief Operating Officer At Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory minimizes downtime for critical experiments. Clay directs the operational teams to ensure that the laboratory environment remains conducive to high-level scientific work. By focusing on operational excellence, the Deputy Chief Operating Officer At Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory sustains the laboratory's capacity for discovery.

    Susan Dahl - President

    Susan Dahl, the President at Fermilab, provides high-level institutional leadership and represents the laboratory in national and international scientific forums. Dahl oversees the alignment of the laboratory's research agenda with broader scientific goals and public policy initiatives. By driving the institutional mission, the President ensures that the laboratory remains a central pillar of the global physics community. Susan Dahl coordinates with academic institutions and other national laboratories to foster collaborative research efforts. This role involves managing the laboratory's reputation and influence within the scientific community. Through the promotion of scientific literacy and public engagement, the President expands the impact of the laboratory's research beyond the academic sphere. Dahl directs the strategic planning efforts that define the future direction of the institution. By providing steady leadership and a clear vision, the President enables the laboratory to navigate the challenges of modern scientific research while maintaining its commitment to excellence in particle physics.

    Hema Ramamoorthi - Chief of Staff

    Hema Ramamoorthi, the Chief of Staff at Fermilab, manages the daily operational flow and executive communications for the laboratory. Ramamoorthi facilitates decision-making processes by synthesizing information from various research divisions and administrative departments. By streamlining internal workflows, the Chief of Staff ensures that executive leadership remains focused on critical scientific milestones. Hema Ramamoorthi coordinates cross-functional initiatives that bridge the gap between technical research teams and administrative support units. This role involves managing high-level projects that require precise timing and interdepartmental cooperation. Through the implementation of efficient management practices, the Chief of Staff optimizes the use of laboratory resources. Ramamoorthi maintains the pulse of the organization, identifying potential bottlenecks and resolving conflicts before these issues impact research progress. By providing essential support to the executive team, the Chief of Staff enables the laboratory to maintain its focus on complex particle physics experiments.

    Anna Grassellino - Chief Technology Officer

    Anna Grassellino, the Chief Technology Officer at Fermilab, architects the development of advanced superconducting radio frequency technologies essential for particle acceleration. Grassellino oversees the design and implementation of next-generation hardware that pushes the boundaries of current physics research. By driving technological innovation, the Chief Technology Officer ensures that the laboratory remains at the forefront of global scientific capabilities. Anna Grassellino manages the integration of complex engineering systems into large-scale experimental facilities. This leadership role involves collaborating with international partners to standardize technical protocols and enhance experimental precision. Through the oversight of advanced research and development projects, the Chief Technology Officer secures the laboratory's position as a leader in accelerator technology. Grassellino directs the technical teams responsible for building the infrastructure that supports groundbreaking discoveries. By focusing on scalable solutions, the Chief Technology Officer enables the laboratory to conduct increasingly sophisticated experiments that explore the deepest questions in particle physics.

    Velma Gordon - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Velma Gordon, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Fermilab, directs the talent acquisition and workforce development strategies for the laboratory's diverse scientific and administrative staff. Gordon oversees the recruitment of top-tier researchers and engineers from around the world to maintain the laboratory's competitive edge. By fostering an inclusive and high-performance culture, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the workforce remains engaged and productive. Velma Gordon manages the implementation of professional development programs that support the growth of the scientific community. This role involves designing compensation and benefits structures that attract and retain specialized talent in a highly competitive field. Through the oversight of employee relations and organizational development, the Chief Human Resources Officer maintains a stable and motivated workforce. Gordon directs the human resources teams to ensure that all personnel policies align with the laboratory's mission. By prioritizing human capital, the Chief Human Resources Officer enables the laboratory to achieve its long-term scientific objectives.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Fermilab Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Fermilab?
    Fermilab is led by Ali Nipadimi (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Vanessa Peoples (Chief Financial Officer) and Marc Clay (Deputy Chief Operating Officer At Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory).
    Who is part of Fermilab’s executive team?
    The executive team of Fermilab includes leaders such as Ali Nipadimi (Chief Executive Officer), Vanessa Peoples (Chief Financial Officer), Marc Clay (Deputy Chief Operating Officer At Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Fermilab have?
    Fermilab has 7 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Fermilab’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Fermilab includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Deputy Chief Operating Officer At Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, President, Chief of Staff.