Fermilab Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

Fermilab has 8 executives leading key functions including strategy, finance, operations, human resources, and information technology.

Dedicated to advancing scientific discovery, Fermilab drives innovation in high-energy particle physics, shaping the future of fundamental research and technological advancement.

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 Human Resources Officer - Velma Gordon
  • Vice President Segment Chief Information Officer Eut and Mergers and Acquisitions and Financial Services and Direct To Consumer Development - Hannah Locke
  • 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 and operational framework for the laboratory's high-energy particle physics research. Nipadimi guides the institution's commitment to scientific exploration and technological development, ensuring alignment with national research objectives. This leadership role involves fostering collaborations with global scientific communities and securing resources essential for groundbreaking discoveries. By championing cutting-edge research initiatives, Ali Nipadimi drives Fermilab's mission forward, solidifying its position at the forefront of fundamental science. The Chief Executive Officer's purview encompasses all major research programs and long-term institutional planning, ensuring sustained progress in understanding the universe at its most fundamental level.

    Vanessa Peoples - Chief Financial Officer

    Vanessa Peoples, the Chief Financial Officer at Fermilab, manages the laboratory's comprehensive financial strategy and fiscal operations. Peoples oversees all aspects of financial planning, budgeting, and resource allocation, ensuring the efficient deployment of funds for high-energy particle physics research. This critical function involves maintaining robust financial controls and reporting mechanisms to meet Department of Energy requirements and support scientific endeavors. By optimizing financial performance and identifying cost-saving opportunities, Vanessa Peoples directly contributes to the laboratory's ability to pursue ambitious research projects. The Chief Financial Officer's responsibilities extend to managing investments and ensuring the long-term financial health of Fermilab, thereby enabling sustained scientific advancement and operational excellence.

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

    Marc Clay, the Deputy Chief Operating Officer At Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, supports the operational management and infrastructure development critical to high-energy particle physics research. Clay oversees the implementation of operational strategies that enhance efficiency and safety across the laboratory's facilities. This position involves managing key operational projects, ensuring the reliability of essential services, and coordinating resources to support scientific programs. By driving operational improvements and maintaining robust infrastructure, Marc Clay directly enables the seamless execution of Fermilab's research agenda. The Deputy Chief Operating Officer's focus on optimizing day-to-day functions ensures that scientific teams have the necessary support to achieve groundbreaking discoveries and maintain operational excellence.

    Susan Dahl - President

    Susan Dahl, the President at Fermilab, provides leadership and strategic direction for the organization's scientific and operational endeavors. Dahl guides the laboratory's commitment to advancing high-energy particle physics research and fostering a culture of innovation. This executive position involves overseeing key strategic initiatives, ensuring alignment with national research goals, and promoting collaborations that expand the frontiers of scientific knowledge. By championing research excellence and operational integrity, Susan Dahl drives Fermilab's mission forward. The President's leadership is instrumental in shaping the laboratory's future, securing its position as a global leader in fundamental science and technological development.

    Hema Ramamoorthi - Chief of Staff

    Hema Ramamoorthi, the Chief of Staff at Fermilab, provides strategic support and operational coordination across key departments. Ramamoorthi facilitates the execution of the laboratory's mission in high-energy particle physics by streamlining communication and driving key initiatives. This role involves managing special projects, advising leadership on critical issues, and ensuring efficient workflow between different scientific and administrative functions. By enhancing organizational effectiveness and fostering cross-functional collaboration, Hema Ramamoorthi supports the advancement of Fermilab's research objectives. The Chief of Staff's influence extends to optimizing operational processes and ensuring that strategic priorities are translated into tangible scientific progress and institutional development.

    Velma Gordon - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Velma Gordon, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Fermilab, directs the comprehensive human capital strategy and management for the laboratory. Gordon oversees talent acquisition, employee development, and organizational culture initiatives, ensuring a skilled and motivated workforce dedicated to high-energy particle physics research. This leadership position involves fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment that attracts and retains top scientific and technical talent. By championing employee well-being and professional growth, Velma Gordon strengthens Fermilab's capacity for innovation and discovery. The Chief Human Resources Officer's strategic approach to human resources management is fundamental to the laboratory's success in advancing scientific frontiers and achieving its research objectives.

    Hannah Locke - Vice President Segment Chief Information Officer Eut and Mergers and Acquisitions and Financial Services and Direct To Consumer Development

    Hannah Locke, the Vice President Segment Chief Information Officer Eut and Mergers and Acquisitions and Financial Services and Direct To Consumer Development at Fermilab, leads the strategic direction and implementation of information technology solutions across critical business segments. Locke oversees the integration of technology to support research, operational efficiency, and data management within the high-energy particle physics domain. This role involves managing IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, and digital transformation initiatives to enhance scientific discovery and institutional capabilities. By ensuring robust and scalable technological frameworks, Hannah Locke directly supports Fermilab's mission and its complex research endeavors. The Vice President Segment Chief Information Officer's expertise is vital for leveraging technology to drive innovation and maintain a competitive edge in scientific research and development.

    Jennifer Gondorchin - Deputy Chief Human Resources Officer

    Jennifer Gondorchin, the Deputy Chief Human Resources Officer at Fermilab, supports the execution of human resources strategies and programs that underpin the laboratory's scientific mission. Gondorchin assists in managing talent acquisition, employee relations, and HR policy development, ensuring a productive and compliant work environment for staff engaged in high-energy particle physics research. This role focuses on operationalizing HR initiatives that foster employee engagement and support professional development across all departments. By contributing to the efficiency of HR operations, Jennifer Gondorchin plays a key part in maintaining a high-performing workforce. The Deputy Chief Human Resources Officer's efforts are essential for supporting the overall human capital management objectives that drive Fermilab's continued success in scientific exploration.

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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 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.