Sandia National Laboratories Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Sandia National Laboratories has 6 executives leading key functions including financial strategy, cyber security, audit oversight, infrastructure management, research fellowship programs, and executive leadership.

Committed to advancing national security and energy research, Sandia National Laboratories drives innovation through rigorous scientific inquiry and collaborative partnerships across federal and industrial sectors.

Leadership Roles at Sandia National Laboratories

  • Chief Financial Officer - Delfinia Salazar
  • Chief Financial Officer, Audit & Liaison - Christopher Senutovitch
  • President Harry S. Truman Fellowship - Daniel Herman
  • President - Beverly Bendicksen
  • Cyber Security & Mission Computing Chief of Staff - Deion D'Arco
  • Infrastructure Operations Chief of Staff - Todd Tillman
  • Delfinia Salazar - Chief Financial Officer

    Delfinia Salazar, the Chief Financial Officer at Sandia National Laboratories, manages the complex fiscal architecture required for large-scale national security research. Overseeing budgetary allocations for nuclear deterrence programs, the Chief Financial Officer ensures compliance with Department of Energy mandates. Salazar directs financial planning and analysis to support the laboratory's multimission objectives across New Mexico and California. By optimizing resource distribution, the Chief Financial Officer maintains the fiscal health necessary for long-term scientific advancement. This leadership role involves coordinating with federal agencies to secure funding for critical energy and defense initiatives. Through rigorous oversight of internal controls, Delfinia Salazar protects the integrity of the laboratory's financial operations. Ultimately, Salazar provides the economic stability required for the organization to execute high-impact research in chemical physics and hydrogen fusion, ensuring that every dollar contributes directly to the national security mission.
    Delfinia Salazar

    Christopher Senutovitch - Chief Financial Officer, Audit & Liaison

    Christopher Senutovitch, the Chief Financial Officer, Audit & Liaison at Sandia National Laboratories, manages the rigorous audit processes and external reporting requirements essential for a government-operated research facility. Overseeing the liaison functions between the laboratory and the Department of Energy, the Chief Financial Officer, Audit & Liaison ensures total transparency in fiscal operations. Senutovitch directs internal audit teams to verify compliance with federal regulations governing nuclear deterrence and energy research. By maintaining strong relationships with oversight bodies, the Chief Financial Officer, Audit & Liaison facilitates smooth operational interactions between the laboratory and its government partners. This leadership role involves identifying financial risks and implementing mitigation strategies to protect the organization's reputation and funding status. Christopher Senutovitch drives the continuous improvement of financial reporting systems, ensuring accuracy in all institutional disclosures. Through meticulous attention to detail, Senutovitch upholds the highest standards of accountability for the laboratory's diverse research portfolio.
    Christopher Senutovitch

    Daniel Herman - President Harry S. Truman Fellowship

    Daniel Herman, the President Harry S. Truman Fellowship at Sandia National Laboratories, leads the recruitment and development of the next generation of scientific leaders. Overseeing the prestigious fellowship program, the President Harry S. Truman Fellowship ensures that the laboratory attracts top-tier talent in physical sciences and engineering. Herman directs the selection process and mentorship initiatives that integrate fellows into the laboratory's core research missions. By fostering an environment of academic excellence, the President Harry S. Truman Fellowship drives the creation of new knowledge in combustion science and national security. This leadership role involves collaborating with academic institutions to bridge the gap between fundamental research and practical application. Daniel Herman manages the professional growth of fellows, ensuring that their contributions align with the laboratory's strategic goals. Through this commitment to talent development, Herman secures the future intellectual capital necessary for the laboratory to maintain its position at the forefront of scientific innovation.

    Beverly Bendicksen - President

    Beverly Bendicksen, the President at Sandia National Laboratories, defines the overarching strategic vision for the laboratory's national security and energy research initiatives. Overseeing the entire organizational structure, the President ensures that all departments align with the mission of the Department of Energy. Bendicksen directs the executive team to execute complex research programs in nuclear deterrence and physical sciences. By fostering a culture of innovation and accountability, the President drives the laboratory's impact on federal, state, and local government agencies. This leadership role involves engaging with industry partners and academic institutions to expand the laboratory's reach and influence. Beverly Bendicksen manages the high-level relationships necessary to secure the resources and support required for long-term success. Through decisive leadership and strategic foresight, Bendicksen guides the organization toward achieving its critical objectives, ensuring that the laboratory remains a cornerstone of national security and scientific advancement in the United States.
    Beverly Bendicksen

    Deion D'Arco - Cyber Security & Mission Computing Chief of Staff

    Deion D'Arco, the Cyber Security & Mission Computing Chief of Staff at Sandia National Laboratories, architects the digital defense frameworks protecting sensitive national security data. Overseeing the integration of advanced computing systems, the Chief of Staff ensures that research infrastructure remains resilient against evolving cyber threats. D'Arco coordinates cross-functional teams to implement secure protocols for the Combustion Research Facility and other critical laboratory assets. By aligning mission computing requirements with federal security standards, the Chief of Staff facilitates seamless data processing for complex physical science experiments. This role involves managing the strategic deployment of high-performance computing resources to support national defense objectives. Deion D'Arco drives the modernization of digital environments, ensuring that computational power remains a competitive advantage for the laboratory. Through constant vigilance and technical leadership, D'Arco secures the technological foundation upon which the entire organization relies for its mission-critical research and development activities.

    Todd Tillman - Infrastructure Operations Chief of Staff

    Todd Tillman, the Infrastructure Operations Chief of Staff at Sandia National Laboratories, directs the physical and operational maintenance of the laboratory's expansive research facilities. Overseeing the daily management of laboratories in New Mexico and California, the Chief of Staff ensures that all infrastructure supports the rigorous demands of combustion science and national security research. Tillman coordinates facility upgrades and safety protocols to maintain a high-performance environment for scientists and engineers. By optimizing the utilization of physical assets, the Chief of Staff drives operational efficiency across the entire campus network. This leadership role involves managing complex logistics and facility-wide projects that enable the laboratory to meet its mission-critical goals. Todd Tillman ensures that the physical environment remains conducive to innovation in chemical physics and hydrogen fusion. Through strategic planning and resource management, Tillman provides the essential infrastructure backbone that allows the laboratory to sustain its long-term research impact.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Sandia National Laboratories Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Sandia National Laboratories?
    Sandia National Laboratories is led by Delfinia Salazar (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Christopher Senutovitch (Chief Financial Officer, Audit & Liaison) and Daniel Herman (President Harry S. Truman Fellowship).
    Who is part of Sandia National Laboratories’s executive team?
    The executive team of Sandia National Laboratories includes leaders such as Delfinia Salazar (Chief Financial Officer), Christopher Senutovitch (Chief Financial Officer, Audit & Liaison), Daniel Herman (President Harry S. Truman Fellowship) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Sandia National Laboratories have?
    Sandia National Laboratories has 6 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Sandia National Laboratories’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Sandia National Laboratories includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Audit & Liaison, President Harry S. Truman Fellowship, President, Cyber Security & Mission Computing Chief of Staff.