Berkeley Lab Executive and Leadership Team

Kaylene Shadazz, the Founder & Chief Executive Officer at Berkeley Lab, directs the overarching strategy and vision for the organization. This leadership role involves setting the long-term goals that guide Berkeley Lab's scientific endeavors and operational framework. Shadazz ensures that the laboratory's research initiatives align with its mission to address significant scientific challenges in sustainable energy, human health, materials science, and cosmology. Overseeing the executive team, Kaylene Shadazz drives innovation and fosters a culture of scientific excellence. The Chief Executive Officer's responsibilities include representing Berkeley Lab to external stakeholders, securing funding, and championing the laboratory's commitment to groundbreaking research and development. This executive function is critical for maintaining Berkeley Lab's position at the forefront of scientific discovery and its impact on global progress.

Charles Axthelm, the Manager, Business Systems Analysis & Chief Financial Officer, Office of at Berkeley Lab, directs financial strategy and oversees the analysis of business systems to ensure fiscal health and operational efficiency. This dual-focused executive role involves managing the laboratory's financial resources, budgeting, and financial reporting, while also leading the analysis of systems that support business operations. Axthelm ensures that financial practices align with Berkeley Lab's mission to advance sustainable energy, protect human health, create new materials, and explore the universe. The Chief Financial Officer's responsibilities include safeguarding assets, optimizing financial performance, and providing critical financial insights to support strategic decision-making. Charles Axthelm's leadership in financial management and systems analysis is crucial for the sustained success of Berkeley Lab's research endeavors.

Nicholas Skowronski, the Principal Financial Analyst & Chief Financial Officer, Office of at Berkeley Lab, provides in-depth financial analysis and contributes to the strategic financial management of the laboratory. This executive role involves detailed examination of financial data, forecasting, and supporting the Chief Financial Officer in developing and implementing sound financial policies. Skowronski's analytical expertise is vital for ensuring that Berkeley Lab's financial operations effectively support its mission in sustainable energy, human health, materials science, and cosmology. The Principal Financial Analyst role ensures robust financial planning and reporting, contributing to the efficient allocation of resources for research and development. Nicholas Skowronski's commitment to financial stewardship is integral to maintaining Berkeley Lab's operational stability and advancing its scientific objectives.

Diane Pierotti, the Chief Operating Officer at Berkeley Lab, manages the day-to-day operations and ensures the efficient functioning of all laboratory departments. This executive role is pivotal in translating strategic objectives into actionable operational plans, overseeing resource allocation, and optimizing processes across research and administrative functions. Pierotti directs the implementation of policies and procedures that support Berkeley Lab's mission of advancing sustainable energy, protecting human health, creating new materials, and exploring the universe. The Chief Operating Officer collaborates closely with other senior leaders to enhance productivity and maintain the highest standards of operational integrity. By focusing on operational excellence, Diane Pierotti ensures that Berkeley Lab can effectively pursue its ambitious scientific goals and deliver impactful results.

Rebecca Rishell, the Deputy Chief Operating Officer at Berkeley Lab, supports the Chief Operating Officer in overseeing the laboratory's extensive operational activities. This executive position involves assisting in the management of daily operations, ensuring seamless coordination between various departments, and implementing strategic initiatives designed to enhance efficiency and productivity. Rishell plays a key part in maintaining the operational integrity that underpins Berkeley Lab's groundbreaking research in sustainable energy, human health, materials science, and cosmology. The Deputy Chief Operating Officer works to streamline processes, manage resources effectively, and support the overall strategic direction of the laboratory. Through dedicated oversight, Rebecca Rishell contributes significantly to the operational success that enables Berkeley Lab's scientific advancements.

Doug Owen, the President at Berkeley Lab, leads key strategic initiatives and represents the organization in significant external engagements. This executive role involves driving forward the laboratory's objectives in advancing sustainable energy, protecting human health, creating new materials, and revealing the origin and fate of the universe. Owen collaborates with other senior leaders to foster innovation and ensure the effective execution of Berkeley Lab's research agenda. The President's leadership is instrumental in building partnerships and securing support for the laboratory's critical scientific work. By focusing on strategic growth and operational alignment, Doug Owen contributes significantly to Berkeley Lab's ongoing success and its impact on scientific discovery.

Gertude Brungardt, the President at Berkeley Lab, directs critical aspects of the laboratory's strategic direction and operational framework. This executive position involves overseeing initiatives that advance Berkeley Lab's mission in sustainable energy, human health, materials science, and cosmology. Brungardt works to ensure that the laboratory's resources are effectively utilized to achieve groundbreaking scientific outcomes. The President's role includes fostering collaboration among research teams and external partners to accelerate discovery and innovation. By providing strong leadership, Gertude Brungardt supports the continuous pursuit of scientific excellence and the development of solutions to global challenges, reinforcing Berkeley Lab's commitment to impactful research.

Jo Widmayer, the Administrator To the Chief Information Officer at Berkeley Lab, provides critical administrative support to the Chief Information Officer, facilitating the smooth execution of IT strategy and operations. This role involves managing schedules, coordinating communications, and overseeing administrative processes that enable the IT department to effectively support Berkeley Lab's scientific mission. Widmayer ensures that administrative functions within the IT division are aligned with the laboratory's objectives in advancing sustainable energy, protecting human health, creating new materials, and revealing the origin and fate of the universe. The Administrator's support is essential for the Chief Information Officer to focus on strategic technology initiatives and infrastructure management. Jo Widmayer's contributions are vital for maintaining the operational efficiency of Berkeley Lab's information technology services.