Los Alamos National laboratory Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Los Alamos National laboratory has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, research, administration, and financial oversight.

Dedicated to advancing national security through multidisciplinary research, Los Alamos National laboratory solves complex global challenges in energy, health, and infrastructure while maintaining the reliability of the U.S. nuclear stockpile.

Leadership Roles at Los Alamos National laboratory

  • Chief Executive Officer - Glen Wurden
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Gwen Warniment
  • Chief Financial Officer & 3 Financial Business Analyst - Krissy Velarde
  • Chief Operating Officer - Brian Watkins
  • Chief Operating Officer, ALD for Simulation and Computation - Randal Rheinheimer
  • Chief Operating Officer, Facilities & Operations - Mark Cox
  • Chief of Staff - Theresa Wilson
  • Manager, Programs & Offices of Chief Information Officer & Chief Information Security Officer - Cody Pearson
  • Chief of Staff, CITPO - John Russell
  • Deputy Director - Jarrod Mottice
  • Glen Wurden - Chief Executive Officer

    Glen Wurden, the Chief Executive Officer at Los Alamos National laboratory, directs the overarching strategic vision for this multidisciplinary research institution. Wurden manages the alignment of scientific initiatives with national security mandates, ensuring the laboratory addresses critical threats from weapons of mass destruction. By coordinating with the Department of Energy and the National Nuclear Security Administration, the Chief Executive Officer maintains the integrity of the U.S. nuclear stockpile. This leadership role involves fostering partnerships with academic and private sector entities to accelerate technological breakthroughs in energy and global security. Through rigorous oversight of research priorities, Glen Wurden drives the laboratory toward solving complex problems related to environment and health. The Chief Executive Officer consistently evaluates the impact of scientific output on national defense, ensuring that all research activities remain focused on high-priority security objectives while promoting innovation across the entire organization.

    Gwen Warniment - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Gwen Warniment, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Los Alamos National laboratory, governs the operational framework and institutional mission of this premier research facility. Warniment oversees the integration of strategic science into national security applications, ensuring that the laboratory meets the rigorous demands of the Department of Energy. As the President & Chief Executive Officer, Warniment manages the complex relationships between the founding members of Triad and the federal government. This position requires balancing long-term research goals with immediate national security requirements, particularly regarding the safety and reliability of the nuclear stockpile. By championing interdisciplinary collaboration, Gwen Warniment fosters an environment where scientists solve critical infrastructure and health challenges. The President & Chief Executive Officer maintains a focus on operational excellence, ensuring that the laboratory remains at the forefront of global security research while delivering impactful solutions that protect the nation and its citizens.

    Krissy Velarde - Chief Financial Officer & 3 Financial Business Analyst

    Krissy Velarde, the Chief Financial Officer & 3 Financial Business Analyst at Los Alamos National laboratory, directs the financial planning, budgeting, and fiscal oversight for the institution's diverse research portfolio. Velarde manages the allocation of funds from the Department of Energy and other federal agencies, ensuring that financial resources align with national security priorities. As the Chief Financial Officer & 3 Financial Business Analyst, Velarde oversees the analysis of financial performance across all scientific divisions, providing the data necessary for strategic decision-making. This role involves ensuring compliance with federal financial regulations while optimizing the cost-effectiveness of research operations. By managing the laboratory's fiscal health, Krissy Velarde supports the mission to solve problems related to energy, environment, and health. The Chief Financial Officer & 3 Financial Business Analyst maintains a focus on financial transparency and accountability, ensuring that every dollar spent contributes directly to the laboratory's success in advancing national security and scientific discovery.

    Brian Watkins - Chief Operating Officer

    Brian Watkins, the Chief Operating Officer at Los Alamos National laboratory, directs the internal business operations and resource management systems that support the institution's scientific mission. Watkins oversees the logistical framework required to maintain the laboratory's complex research environment, ensuring that all operational activities comply with federal safety and security regulations. As the Chief Operating Officer, Watkins manages the integration of administrative services with technical research needs, optimizing the use of laboratory assets. This role involves driving efficiency in procurement, human resources, and site management to support the work of the National Nuclear Security Administration. By implementing robust operational strategies, Brian Watkins ensures that the laboratory remains capable of addressing critical national security challenges. The Chief Operating Officer focuses on continuous improvement, refining internal processes to support the scientists and engineers who solve problems related to energy, environment, and global security concerns.

    Randal Rheinheimer - Chief Operating Officer, ALD for Simulation and Computation

    Randal Rheinheimer, the Chief Operating Officer, ALD for Simulation and Computation at Los Alamos National laboratory, manages the computational infrastructure and simulation capabilities essential for national security research. Rheinheimer oversees the deployment of high-performance computing resources that enable the laboratory to model complex physical phenomena and ensure the reliability of the U.S. nuclear stockpile. As the Chief Operating Officer, ALD for Simulation and Computation, Rheinheimer directs the integration of advanced data analytics into the laboratory's broader research portfolio. This role involves coordinating with technical teams to solve problems related to energy, health, and global security through sophisticated computational modeling. By optimizing the use of simulation tools, Randal Rheinheimer supports the laboratory's mission to provide data-driven insights for national defense. The Chief Operating Officer, ALD for Simulation and Computation, maintains a focus on technological advancement, ensuring that the institution remains a leader in computational science and simulation-based research.

    Mark Cox - Chief Operating Officer, Facilities & Operations

    Mark Cox, the Chief Operating Officer, Facilities & Operations at Los Alamos National laboratory, directs the maintenance, development, and management of the physical infrastructure required for world-class scientific research. Cox oversees the operation of specialized facilities, ensuring that all laboratory buildings and equipment meet the safety and security standards mandated by the National Nuclear Security Administration. As the Chief Operating Officer, Facilities & Operations, Cox manages the logistical support necessary for the laboratory's multidisciplinary research teams. This role involves planning for future infrastructure needs to support emerging projects in energy, environment, and global security. By maintaining the physical environment, Mark Cox enables the scientists and engineers to focus on solving complex problems that protect the nation. The Chief Operating Officer, Facilities & Operations, maintains a focus on operational reliability, ensuring that the laboratory's physical assets remain capable of supporting the most demanding research requirements in the field of national security.

    Theresa Wilson - Chief of Staff

    Theresa Wilson, the Chief of Staff at Los Alamos National laboratory, manages the administrative flow and strategic communication between the executive office and the broader research organization. Wilson coordinates high-level meetings and ensures that leadership decisions are effectively disseminated across all departments. As the Chief of Staff, Wilson facilitates the alignment of institutional goals with the requirements of the Department of Energy and the National Nuclear Security Administration. This role involves overseeing special projects that impact the laboratory's long-term strategic direction, particularly in areas of national security and scientific research. By streamlining internal processes, Theresa Wilson enhances the efficiency of the executive team, allowing for faster decision-making on critical infrastructure and health initiatives. The Chief of Staff maintains a focus on organizational cohesion, ensuring that all administrative functions support the laboratory's mission to solve complex global security problems through rigorous, multidisciplinary scientific inquiry.

    Cody Pearson - Manager, Programs & Offices of Chief Information Officer & Chief Information Security Officer

    Cody Pearson, the Manager, Programs & Offices of Chief Information Officer & Chief Information Security Officer at Los Alamos National laboratory, directs the information technology and cybersecurity programs that protect the institution's sensitive research data. Pearson oversees the implementation of secure digital infrastructure, ensuring that all information systems comply with the rigorous standards required by the National Nuclear Security Administration. As the Manager, Programs & Offices of Chief Information Officer & Chief Information Security Officer, Pearson coordinates the protection of critical research assets against evolving cyber threats. This role involves managing the intersection of information technology and national security, ensuring that the laboratory's digital environment remains resilient and secure. By overseeing these programs, Cody Pearson supports the laboratory's mission to solve complex problems in energy and global security. The Manager, Programs & Offices of Chief Information Officer & Chief Information Security Officer maintains a focus on digital integrity, safeguarding the intellectual property that drives the laboratory's scientific success.

    John Russell - Chief of Staff, CITPO

    John Russell, the Chief of Staff, CITPO at Los Alamos National laboratory, manages the administrative and strategic operations within the Center for Integrated Technologies and Program Operations. Russell coordinates the integration of technical programs with institutional objectives, ensuring that the laboratory's research efforts remain aligned with national security goals. As the Chief of Staff, CITPO, Russell facilitates communication between technical leads and executive management, streamlining the execution of complex projects. This role involves overseeing the administrative processes that support the laboratory's work in energy, health, and global security. By managing the internal operations of the center, John Russell enhances the efficiency of the research teams, allowing for more effective problem-solving. The Chief of Staff, CITPO, maintains a focus on organizational alignment, ensuring that all activities within the center contribute to the laboratory's broader mission of advancing strategic science and protecting the nation through innovation and rigorous research.

    Jarrod Mottice - Deputy Director

    Jarrod Mottice, the Deputy Director at Los Alamos National laboratory, executes the daily operational directives necessary to sustain the institution's research capabilities. Mottice manages the implementation of strategic policies across various scientific divisions, ensuring that laboratory resources align with national security priorities. As the Deputy Director, Mottice coordinates between the executive leadership and the technical staff to streamline project execution and enhance research efficiency. This role involves monitoring the progress of initiatives related to energy, environment, and global security, ensuring that all projects meet strict safety and quality standards. By facilitating communication across departments, Jarrod Mottice supports the laboratory's mission to solve complex problems for the National Nuclear Security Administration. The Deputy Director maintains a focus on organizational agility, allowing the institution to respond rapidly to emerging threats while upholding the highest standards of scientific integrity and operational performance in all research endeavors.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Los Alamos National laboratory Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Los Alamos National laboratory?
    Los Alamos National laboratory is led by Glen Wurden (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Gwen Warniment (President & Chief Executive Officer) and Krissy Velarde (Chief Financial Officer & 3 Financial Business Analyst).
    Who is part of Los Alamos National laboratory’s executive team?
    The executive team of Los Alamos National laboratory includes leaders such as Glen Wurden (Chief Executive Officer), Gwen Warniment (President & Chief Executive Officer), Krissy Velarde (Chief Financial Officer & 3 Financial Business Analyst) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Los Alamos National laboratory have?
    Los Alamos National laboratory has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Los Alamos National laboratory’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Los Alamos National laboratory includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer & 3 Financial Business Analyst, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Operating Officer, ALD for Simulation and Computation.