National Energy Technology Laboratory Executive and Leadership Team

James Wilson, the Chief Financial Officer at National Energy Technology Laboratory, manages all fiscal planning, budget allocation, and financial reporting for research and development activities. Overseeing the distribution of funding across fossil energy and critical mineral projects, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that resources support the most promising technological innovations. This leadership role involves maintaining fiscal transparency while collaborating with government organizations and private industry partners to secure sustainable funding streams. By optimizing the financial health of the laboratory, James Wilson directly impacts the capacity for long-term research investment. Wilson monitors expenditure patterns to ensure compliance with federal regulations and organizational objectives. Through the rigorous analysis of financial data, the Chief Financial Officer provides the insights required for strategic growth. Wilson secures the economic stability of the laboratory, enabling the pursuit of advanced energy solutions that address critical market needs and enhance overall energy sustainability.

Heather Quedenfeld, the Chief Operating Officer at National Energy Technology Laboratory, directs all internal research operations and laboratory infrastructure. Overseeing the execution of complex energy projects, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that research initiatives align with national sustainability goals. This leadership role involves managing large-scale partnerships with academia and industry to accelerate the commercial viability of advanced alloys and fossil energy technologies. By optimizing laboratory workflows, Heather Quedenfeld directly impacts the efficiency of critical mineral research programs. Quedenfeld maintains rigorous standards across all operational departments, fostering an environment where innovation thrives. Through the coordination of cross-functional teams, the Chief Operating Officer supports the broader mission of transforming energy systems. Quedenfeld secures the operational foundation necessary for the laboratory to address urgent energy challenges while maintaining a focus on high-impact research outcomes that benefit the entire energy sector.

Jimmy Thornton, the Chief of Staff at National Energy Technology Laboratory, manages strategic communications and organizational alignment across all research divisions. Coordinating the interactions between executive leadership and external government stakeholders, the Chief of Staff ensures that policy objectives translate into actionable research programs. This leadership role involves facilitating high-level decision-making processes that guide the laboratory toward achieving energy efficiency milestones. By streamlining internal reporting structures, Jimmy Thornton directly impacts the agility of the organization. Thornton oversees the integration of educational programs and research partnerships, ensuring that every initiative supports the core mission of advancing energy technology. Through the management of complex administrative workflows, the Chief of Staff maintains organizational focus on long-term sustainability goals. Thornton provides the necessary oversight to ensure that all departments remain synchronized with the strategic vision, ultimately driving the laboratory toward greater impact within the global energy landscape.

Roger Rhoads, the Chief Information Officer (Acting) at National Energy Technology Laboratory, directs the digital infrastructure and data management systems essential for high-performance energy research. Overseeing the security of sensitive research data and the implementation of advanced computing tools, the Chief Information Officer (Acting) ensures that scientists possess the technological capabilities required for complex modeling and simulation. This leadership role involves modernizing information systems to support collaborative partnerships with academic and industry stakeholders. By enhancing the digital architecture, Roger Rhoads directly impacts the speed and accuracy of energy technology development. Rhoads manages the integration of cybersecurity protocols to protect intellectual property and critical research findings. Through the deployment of scalable IT solutions, the Chief Information Officer (Acting) facilitates seamless communication across all laboratory departments. Rhoads maintains the technological backbone of the organization, ensuring that data-driven insights continue to fuel innovation in energy efficiency and sustainable technology solutions.