Oak Ridge National Laboratory Executive and Leadership Team

Andrew Petzold, the Chief Financial Officer at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, governs the fiscal health and budgetary planning for the entire research enterprise. Petzold manages complex funding streams from the Department of Energy, ensuring strict compliance with federal regulations. By architecting robust financial models, the Chief Financial Officer optimizes resource allocation across various scientific directorates. This role involves frequent reporting to the Board regarding financial performance and long-term sustainability. Andrew Petzold drives fiscal transparency, enabling the laboratory to pursue ambitious research projects with confidence. Through meticulous oversight of capital expenditures and operational costs, the Chief Financial Officer maintains the financial stability required for sustained innovation. Ultimately, Petzold secures the economic foundation of the laboratory, allowing researchers to focus on solving critical energy and security challenges without fiscal constraints hindering progress.

James Placke, the Chief Operating Officer, Fusion and Fission Energy and Science Directorate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, directs the operational execution of critical energy research programs. Placke manages the daily activities within the fusion and fission departments, ensuring that experimental facilities operate at peak efficiency. By overseeing the integration of complex engineering projects, the Chief Operating Officer supports the development of next-generation energy technologies. This role involves coordinating with scientific leads to streamline research workflows and meet project milestones. James Placke drives operational excellence, ensuring that all safety and regulatory standards are met during high-stakes energy experiments. Through the management of specialized laboratory infrastructure, the Chief Operating Officer facilitates groundbreaking discoveries in nuclear science. Ultimately, Placke ensures the directorate delivers impactful results that advance national energy security and sustainable power solutions.

Joseph Lake, the Chief Operating Officer - CCSD at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, manages the operational framework for the Computing and Computational Sciences Directorate. Lake oversees the daily administration of high-performance computing facilities, ensuring that researchers have the necessary tools for complex modeling. By driving operational efficiency within the directorate, the Chief Operating Officer supports the rapid advancement of computational science. This role involves coordinating with technical teams to maintain the reliability of massive data centers. Joseph Lake ensures that all computational resources align with the broader mission of the laboratory. Through the optimization of internal processes, the Chief Operating Officer facilitates seamless collaboration between researchers and IT staff. Ultimately, Lake provides the essential operational support required for the laboratory to remain a global leader in computational research and data-intensive scientific discovery.

Kristofer Torgerson, the Chief Information Officer at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, architects the advanced computational infrastructure necessary for world-class scientific research. Torgerson oversees the deployment of high-performance computing systems and secure data networks that support massive research datasets. By driving digital transformation, the Chief Information Officer ensures that the laboratory maintains a competitive edge in computational science. This role involves managing cybersecurity protocols to protect sensitive national research assets. Kristofer Torgerson coordinates with other C-suite leaders to integrate information technology into every facet of the laboratory's operations. Through the implementation of scalable cloud solutions and data analytics, the Chief Information Officer enhances research efficiency across all departments. Ultimately, Torgerson provides the technological backbone required for complex simulations and data-driven discoveries, ensuring the laboratory remains a global leader in scientific computing and information security.

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 manages the administrative and operational flow within the security directorate, ensuring that all programs align with national defense priorities. By driving cross-departmental communication, the Chief of Staff facilitates the rapid deployment of security technologies. This role involves working closely with senior leadership to manage high-priority projects that address emerging threats. Margaret Spurlin ensures that all research activities adhere to strict security protocols and federal mandates. Through the management of complex project timelines, the Chief of Staff supports the successful delivery of critical security solutions. Ultimately, Spurlin provides the organizational structure necessary for the laboratory to contribute effectively to national and homeland security, ensuring that research outcomes directly enhance the safety and resilience of the nation.

Brian Arrington SHRM-SCP, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, directs the talent acquisition and workforce development strategies for the entire organization. Arrington manages the recruitment of top-tier scientific and technical talent, ensuring the laboratory maintains a competitive workforce. By architecting comprehensive professional development programs, the Chief Human Resources Officer fosters a culture of continuous learning and innovation. This role involves overseeing employee relations and ensuring that the laboratory remains an inclusive environment for diverse scientific minds. Brian Arrington SHRM-SCP drives organizational health by aligning human capital strategies with the laboratory's long-term research goals. Through the implementation of effective performance management systems, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that all staff members contribute to the laboratory's mission. Ultimately, Arrington secures the human talent necessary for the laboratory to solve the most challenging scientific problems of the modern era.

David Keim, the Chief Communications Officer at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, manages the public image and strategic messaging for the institution. Keim directs the dissemination of research findings to stakeholders, the public, and the scientific community. By architecting effective communication campaigns, the Chief Communications Officer highlights the laboratory's contributions to national energy and security goals. This role involves coordinating with media outlets and government agencies to ensure accurate representation of the laboratory's work. David Keim drives engagement by translating complex scientific concepts into accessible narratives for diverse audiences. Through the management of internal and external communications, the Chief Communications Officer strengthens the laboratory's reputation as a premier research facility. Ultimately, Keim ensures that the impact of the laboratory's scientific discoveries is clearly understood, fostering public support and continued investment in the vital research conducted at the facility.

Brian West, the Deputy Director at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, manages the overarching scientific mission and operational integrity of the facility. West coordinates cross-functional research initiatives, ensuring alignment with Department of Energy objectives. By overseeing the integration of complex laboratory programs, the Deputy Director facilitates high-impact scientific breakthroughs. This leadership role requires constant collaboration with the Board and senior scientific staff to maintain the laboratory's status as a premier research institution. Brian West directs the implementation of long-term strategic goals, fostering an environment conducive to innovation. Through rigorous oversight of institutional performance, the Deputy Director secures the necessary resources for large-scale scientific endeavors. Ultimately, West ensures the laboratory remains at the forefront of global technological advancement, supporting critical national interests through sustained excellence in research and development across diverse scientific disciplines.