Berkeley Lab Executive and Leadership Team

Kaylene Shadazz, the Founder & Chief Executive Officer at Berkeley Lab, directs the overarching scientific vision and strategic research initiatives. By aligning laboratory resources with global sustainability goals, Shadazz architects long-term frameworks for material science innovation and energy research. The Founder & Chief Executive Officer maintains constant engagement with the Board to ensure the laboratory addresses complex challenges regarding human health and the fate of the universe. Through the promotion of interdisciplinary collaboration, Shadazz fosters an environment where groundbreaking discoveries flourish across North American research networks. This leadership role involves setting the institutional agenda for high-impact scientific breakthroughs while managing stakeholder expectations. Kaylene Shadazz drives the organizational culture toward excellence, ensuring that every research project adheres to the highest standards of scientific integrity. By prioritizing sustainable energy solutions, the Founder & Chief Executive Officer secures the future relevance of the laboratory in a rapidly evolving global scientific landscape.

Charles Axthelm, the Manager, Business Systems Analysis & Chief Financial Officer, Office of at Berkeley Lab, directs the financial planning and business systems architecture. Axthelm evaluates fiscal performance metrics to ensure the laboratory maintains sufficient funding for high-priority research in sustainable energy and material science. The Manager, Business Systems Analysis & Chief Financial Officer, Office of designs robust analytical models that track the return on investment for complex scientific projects. By implementing advanced business systems, Axthelm improves the transparency of financial reporting and resource distribution across the organization. Charles Axthelm collaborates with executive leadership to align budgetary constraints with the long-term strategic goals of the laboratory. This role involves managing the financial health of the Office of the Chief Financial Officer while providing data-driven insights to support decision-making processes. Through meticulous fiscal oversight, the Manager, Business Systems Analysis & Chief Financial Officer, Office of ensures the laboratory remains a leader in global scientific research.

Nicholas Skowronski, the Principal Financial Analyst & Chief Financial Officer, Office of at Berkeley Lab, executes detailed financial forecasting and risk assessment for scientific programs. Skowronski analyzes expenditure patterns to identify opportunities for cost reduction in the development of new materials and sustainable energy technologies. The Principal Financial Analyst & Chief Financial Officer, Office of provides critical financial data to the executive team, enabling informed decisions regarding the allocation of research grants and operational funding. Nicholas Skowronski monitors the fiscal health of the Office of the Chief Financial Officer, ensuring compliance with federal and institutional financial regulations. By developing sophisticated financial models, Skowronski supports the long-term sustainability of the laboratory's research mission. This role involves coordinating with various departments to ensure that financial resources are utilized effectively to achieve scientific objectives. Through rigorous analysis, the Principal Financial Analyst & Chief Financial Officer, Office of maintains the financial stability required for continuous innovation.

Diane Pierotti, the Chief Operating Officer at Berkeley Lab, manages the daily operational infrastructure required to support large-scale scientific experimentation. Overseeing facility maintenance and resource allocation, Pierotti ensures that research teams possess the necessary tools to advance sustainable energy projects. The Chief Operating Officer coordinates with department heads to streamline administrative workflows, thereby increasing the efficiency of laboratory operations across all regional sites. Diane Pierotti monitors the integration of new materials research into existing operational pipelines, facilitating seamless transitions from theoretical development to practical application. By optimizing internal processes, the Chief Operating Officer reduces overhead costs and maximizes the output of scientific personnel. Pierotti maintains rigorous oversight of safety protocols and compliance standards, protecting the health of researchers and the integrity of the laboratory environment. Through strategic resource management, the Chief Operating Officer supports the broader mission of the laboratory in addressing critical scientific challenges.

Gertude Brungardt, the President at Berkeley Lab, directs the external relations and institutional partnerships that expand the laboratory's influence in the scientific community. Brungardt cultivates relationships with academic institutions and government agencies to secure funding for research into human health and sustainable energy. The President oversees the strategic positioning of the laboratory in the global market, ensuring that research outcomes reach relevant stakeholders and industry partners. Gertude Brungardt leads initiatives to promote the laboratory's scientific achievements, enhancing the reputation of the organization as a premier research facility. By fostering collaborative networks, the President facilitates the exchange of knowledge and resources across international borders. This leadership role involves representing the laboratory at high-level forums and advocating for policies that support scientific advancement. Through proactive engagement, the President ensures that the laboratory remains at the forefront of addressing the most pressing scientific challenges of the modern era.

Doug Owen, the President at Berkeley Lab, manages the internal organizational development and workforce strategy. Owen focuses on talent acquisition and professional growth programs to ensure the laboratory retains top-tier scientific talent. The President designs initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion within the research teams, fostering a culture of innovation and creative problem-solving. Doug Owen collaborates with other executives to align human capital strategies with the laboratory's mission of advancing sustainable energy and material science. By optimizing organizational structures, the President improves the agility of research teams in responding to emerging scientific trends. This leadership role involves overseeing the professional development of staff and ensuring that the laboratory maintains a competitive edge in the global research market. Through strategic workforce management, the President supports the laboratory's commitment to excellence and its ongoing efforts to reveal the mysteries of the universe.

Jo Widmayer, the Administrator To the Chief Information Officer at Berkeley Lab, coordinates the digital infrastructure and information technology strategy. Widmayer manages the administrative functions of the IT department, ensuring that data processing capabilities support the laboratory's research into the origins of the universe. The Administrator To the Chief Information Officer facilitates communication between technical teams and executive leadership to ensure alignment on cybersecurity and data management policies. Jo Widmayer oversees the implementation of high-performance computing resources that enable researchers to analyze complex datasets efficiently. By streamlining IT operations, Widmayer enhances the productivity of scientific staff and protects sensitive research data from external threats. This leadership role involves managing the operational budget for information technology and ensuring that all digital systems meet the rigorous demands of modern scientific inquiry. Through effective administration, the Administrator To the Chief Information Officer supports the technological foundation necessary for groundbreaking discoveries.