Fermilab Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Fermilab has 8 executives leading key functions including strategy, financial oversight, operational management, technology development, human resources, and organizational leadership.

Dedicated to advancing high-energy particle physics, Fermilab drives scientific discovery through cutting-edge research and global collaboration to solve 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
  • Deputy Chief Human Resources Officer - Jennifer Gondorchin
  • Ali Nipadimi - Chief Executive Officer

    Ali Nipadimi, the Chief Executive Officer at Fermilab, directs the overarching strategic vision for high-energy particle physics research. By aligning laboratory objectives with Department of Energy mandates, the Chief Executive Officer ensures consistent progress in complex scientific endeavors. Ali Nipadimi manages relationships with international research partners to maintain global leadership in particle acceleration technology. This executive role involves balancing long-term research goals with immediate operational requirements to sustain the laboratory's competitive edge. Through rigorous oversight of scientific programs, the Chief Executive Officer fosters an environment of innovation and discovery. Nipadimi coordinates with the Board to secure necessary funding and resources for large-scale experiments. By prioritizing safety and excellence in all research activities, the Chief Executive Officer maintains the integrity of the laboratory's mission. Ultimately, Nipadimi drives the strategic growth and scientific impact of the institution on a global scale.

    Vanessa Peoples - Chief Financial Officer

    Vanessa Peoples, the Chief Financial Officer at Fermilab, manages the fiscal health and budgetary allocations for complex particle physics research projects. Overseeing financial planning and analysis, the Chief Financial Officer ensures compliance with federal funding regulations and internal audit standards. Vanessa Peoples directs the allocation of resources across various research departments to maximize scientific output. This leadership role involves collaborating with the executive team to forecast long-term financial requirements for infrastructure upgrades and experimental equipment. By implementing robust financial controls, the Chief Financial Officer mitigates fiscal risks associated with large-scale scientific operations. Peoples monitors expenditure patterns to ensure alignment with the laboratory's strategic goals. Through precise financial reporting, the Chief Financial Officer provides transparency to stakeholders and government agencies. Ultimately, Peoples secures the financial stability necessary for the laboratory to continue pushing the boundaries of high-energy physics.

    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, manages the physical infrastructure and facility maintenance required for large-scale particle physics experiments. Overseeing site operations, the Deputy Chief Operating Officer At Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory ensures that laboratory facilities meet the safety and technical standards necessary for high-energy research. Marc Clay directs maintenance teams and facility upgrades to support continuous experimental uptime. This leadership role involves coordinating with scientific departments to ensure that infrastructure aligns with current research needs. By optimizing facility usage, the Deputy Chief Operating Officer At Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory improves the overall efficiency of the laboratory's physical plant. Clay monitors operational costs and resource consumption to maintain fiscal responsibility. Through proactive management of site assets, the Deputy Chief Operating Officer At Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory sustains the laboratory's operational readiness. Ultimately, Clay ensures that the physical environment supports groundbreaking scientific discovery.

    Susan Dahl - President

    Susan Dahl, the President at Fermilab, provides high-level organizational leadership and represents the laboratory in national and international scientific forums. Overseeing the laboratory's public and institutional presence, the President ensures that the mission of advancing particle physics remains a priority for stakeholders. Susan Dahl directs outreach initiatives and educational programs to promote scientific literacy and engagement. This leadership role involves collaborating with government agencies and academic institutions to secure support for the laboratory's research agenda. By fostering a culture of excellence, the President guides the laboratory through complex scientific and administrative challenges. Dahl monitors the overall impact of the laboratory's research on the global scientific community. Through strategic advocacy, the President strengthens the laboratory's reputation as a premier research facility. Ultimately, Dahl drives the long-term success and visibility of the laboratory in the competitive landscape of high-energy physics.

    Hema Ramamoorthi - Chief of Staff

    Hema Ramamoorthi, the Chief of Staff at Fermilab, coordinates executive operations and facilitates communication across all laboratory departments. By streamlining administrative processes, the Chief of Staff ensures that leadership initiatives receive proper execution and timely follow-up. Hema Ramamoorthi manages the flow of information between the executive office and the broader scientific community to maintain organizational alignment. This role involves organizing high-level meetings and tracking progress on key strategic projects. By acting as a central point of contact, the Chief of Staff resolves operational bottlenecks and enhances cross-functional collaboration. Ramamoorthi supports the executive team by preparing briefings and managing complex scheduling requirements. Through proactive management of internal workflows, the Chief of Staff optimizes the efficiency of the laboratory's leadership structure. Ultimately, Ramamoorthi ensures that the executive office functions effectively to support the laboratory's mission in particle physics.

    Anna Grassellino - Chief Technology Officer

    Anna Grassellino, the Chief Technology Officer at Fermilab, architects the development of advanced particle acceleration technologies and superconducting materials. Overseeing the technical roadmap, the Chief Technology Officer ensures that the laboratory remains at the forefront of high-energy physics innovation. Anna Grassellino directs research teams focused on improving accelerator performance and developing next-generation detection systems. This leadership role involves collaborating with engineering departments to translate theoretical physics concepts into functional hardware. By fostering partnerships with academic and industrial entities, the Chief Technology Officer accelerates the deployment of new technologies. Grassellino monitors technical milestones to ensure that experimental infrastructure meets the rigorous demands of modern particle physics. Through the integration of cutting-edge tools, the Chief Technology Officer enhances the laboratory's experimental capabilities. Ultimately, Grassellino drives the technological advancements that enable groundbreaking discoveries in the field of particle physics.

    Velma Gordon - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Velma Gordon, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Fermilab, directs talent acquisition and workforce development strategies to support a world-class scientific staff. Overseeing organizational culture, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the laboratory attracts and retains top-tier researchers and engineers. Velma Gordon manages comprehensive training programs and professional development initiatives to foster a high-performance environment. This leadership role involves aligning human capital strategies with the laboratory's long-term research objectives. By implementing equitable compensation and benefits structures, the Chief Human Resources Officer maintains a competitive position in the global scientific labor market. Gordon monitors employee engagement and wellness to ensure a productive and inclusive workplace. Through strategic workforce planning, the Chief Human Resources Officer addresses the evolving needs of the laboratory's diverse departments. Ultimately, Gordon builds the human infrastructure required to sustain the laboratory's leadership in high-energy physics research.

    Jennifer Gondorchin - Deputy Chief Human Resources Officer

    Jennifer Gondorchin, the Deputy Chief Human Resources Officer at Fermilab, executes operational policies related to employee relations and compliance within the laboratory. Supporting the broader human resources strategy, the Deputy Chief Human Resources Officer manages day-to-day personnel administration and policy implementation. Jennifer Gondorchin oversees the integration of new staff members and ensures that all hiring practices adhere to federal regulations. This role involves resolving complex personnel issues and facilitating communication between management and staff. By streamlining administrative procedures, the Deputy Chief Human Resources Officer enhances the efficiency of the human resources department. Gondorchin collaborates with leadership to implement performance management systems that support scientific excellence. Through meticulous attention to detail, the Deputy Chief Human Resources Officer maintains a stable and compliant work environment. Ultimately, Gondorchin supports the laboratory's mission by ensuring that personnel operations run smoothly and effectively.

    Explore Leadership Teams in Business Services

    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 8 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.