Oak Ridge National Laboratory Executive and Leadership Team

Andrew Petzold, the Chief Financial Officer at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, manages the fiscal health and budgetary compliance of this multiprogram science and technology institution. Petzold oversees the complex financial reporting required by the U.S. Department of Energy, ensuring that all research funding aligns with federal regulations and contractual obligations. By directing the allocation of capital across various scientific directorates, the Chief Financial Officer maintains the operational stability necessary for long-term research projects. Andrew Petzold monitors expenditure patterns to maximize the impact of every dollar invested in national security and energy science. This leadership role involves coordinating with the Board and external auditors to uphold the highest standards of financial transparency. Through meticulous oversight of procurement and grant management, the Chief Financial Officer secures the resources required for the laboratory to continue its mission of driving innovation in the North American research landscape.

James Placke, the Chief Operating Officer, Fusion and Fission Energy and Science Directorate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, manages the daily operations of the laboratory's critical energy research divisions. Placke oversees the experimental facilities dedicated to nuclear fission and fusion, ensuring that all safety and performance metrics meet the rigorous standards of the U.S. Department of Energy. By coordinating the efforts of scientists and engineers, the Chief Operating Officer, Fusion and Fission Energy and Science Directorate facilitates the development of next-generation energy solutions. James Placke directs the operational logistics for large-scale research projects, ensuring that teams have the necessary equipment and support to achieve their scientific objectives. This leadership role involves balancing complex project timelines with the laboratory's broader mission of advancing sustainable energy technologies. Through efficient management of these specialized directorates, the Chief Operating Officer, Fusion and Fission Energy and Science Directorate supports the laboratory's role in shaping the future of global energy production.

Joseph Lake, the Chief Operating Officer - CCSD at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, directs the operational activities within the Computing and Computational Sciences Directorate. Lake oversees the management of world-class supercomputing facilities, ensuring that these resources remain available for high-priority national research initiatives. By optimizing the workflow of computational scientists, the Chief Operating Officer - CCSD enables the simulation of complex physical phenomena that drive innovation in materials and energy. Joseph Lake manages the infrastructure maintenance and facility upgrades required to keep the laboratory at the forefront of global computational power. This leadership role involves close collaboration with other directorates to ensure that data-driven insights are effectively integrated into the laboratory's broader scientific mission. Through the strategic management of computational assets, the Chief Operating Officer - CCSD ensures that the laboratory maintains its capacity to solve the most challenging problems in modern science and technology.

Jerald Atchley, the Chief Technology Officer at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, directs the integration of advanced scientific tools into the laboratory's core research infrastructure. Atchley oversees the deployment of high-performance computing assets and experimental facilities to ensure researchers maintain a competitive edge in global scientific discovery. By aligning technical capabilities with the mission of the U.S. Department of Energy, the Chief Technology Officer facilitates breakthroughs in materials science and energy efficiency. Jerald Atchley manages the strategic roadmap for laboratory-wide technology adoption, ensuring that internal systems support the complex requirements of a federally funded research and development center. Through rigorous evaluation of emerging scientific trends, the Chief Technology Officer optimizes resource allocation across diverse research divisions. This leadership role demands constant collaboration with external partners to translate laboratory innovations into practical applications that benefit national infrastructure and industrial competitiveness.

Kristofer Torgerson, the Chief Information Officer at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, architects the digital infrastructure that supports massive-scale scientific data processing and secure communications. Torgerson oversees the cybersecurity posture of the laboratory, protecting sensitive research data from evolving global threats. By managing the enterprise network and high-performance computing environments, the Chief Information Officer ensures that researchers possess the connectivity required for collaborative scientific breakthroughs. Kristofer Torgerson drives the digital transformation strategy, implementing advanced data analytics tools that accelerate the pace of discovery within the laboratory's diverse research programs. This leadership role requires constant coordination with the U.S. Department of Energy to maintain compliance with federal information security standards. Through the modernization of internal IT systems, the Chief Information Officer enables seamless operations across the entire facility, supporting the laboratory's status as a premier center for scientific and technological advancement.

Margaret Spurlin, the National & Homeland Security Programs Chief of Staff at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, coordinates the strategic execution of security-focused research initiatives. Spurlin oversees the alignment of laboratory resources with the priorities of the U.S. Department of Energy and other national security agencies. By managing the administrative and operational flow of these sensitive programs, the National & Homeland Security Programs Chief of Staff ensures that research teams remain focused on critical defense and intelligence objectives. Margaret Spurlin facilitates communication between technical leads and executive leadership, ensuring that all security projects adhere to strict regulatory and safety protocols. This leadership role involves overseeing the integration of cross-functional teams to address emerging threats to national infrastructure. Through the effective management of these high-stakes programs, the National & Homeland Security Programs Chief of Staff supports the laboratory's vital contribution to the safety and security of the United States.

Brian Arrington SHRM-SCP, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, directs the talent acquisition and workforce development strategies for this premier research institution. Arrington oversees the recruitment of top-tier scientific and technical personnel, ensuring that the laboratory attracts the best minds to solve complex global challenges. By managing employee relations, professional development programs, and organizational culture, the Chief Human Resources Officer fosters an environment conducive to innovation and scientific excellence. Brian Arrington SHRM-SCP implements policies that support a diverse and inclusive workforce, which is essential for maintaining the laboratory's competitive advantage in the scientific community. This leadership role involves collaborating with the Board to align human capital strategies with the long-term goals of the U.S. Department of Energy. Through the effective management of personnel resources, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the laboratory remains a world-class destination for researchers and support staff alike.

David Keim, the Chief Communications Officer at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, manages the public image and stakeholder engagement strategies for this national laboratory. Keim oversees the dissemination of research findings to the public, policymakers, and the scientific community, ensuring that the laboratory's impact is clearly understood. By directing internal and external communications, the Chief Communications Officer builds support for the laboratory's mission and highlights the value of its scientific contributions to the U.S. Department of Energy. David Keim coordinates media relations and community outreach efforts to maintain the laboratory's reputation as a trusted leader in science and technology. This leadership role involves crafting narratives that translate complex research into accessible information for diverse audiences. Through the strategic management of communication channels, the Chief Communications Officer ensures that the laboratory's achievements are recognized and that its role in advancing national interests remains prominent in the public discourse.