WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Secretary of Energy Samuel Bodman administered the oath of office to William H. Tobey late this afternoon to be the deputy administrator for defense nuclear nonproliferation at the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA). 

Tobey is responsible for managing NNSA’s $1.6 billion comprehensive nonproliferation and threat reduction programs to secure nuclear and radiological materials, prevent the smuggling of nuclear material across borders and through seaports, halt the flow of nuclear expertise and technology to terrorist organizations or rogue states, and eliminate inventories of surplus nuclear material.   He was nominated by President George W. Bush on May 11, 2006,  and received a unanimous Senate confirmation on August 3.

After the ceremony, Secretary Bodman said, “Will brings excellent qualifications and experience to NNSA.  He will provide valuable leadership to help oversee our nation’s international nuclear nonproliferation programs in these times of uncertainty around the world.”

Tobey previously served as director of counterproliferation strategy at the National Security Council (NSC) where he focused on U.S. policy on Iran, North Korea and Libya nonproliferation issues, and missile defense.  It was his second stint at the NSC – his first tour was under Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush, where he also specialized on defense policy, arms control and nonproliferation issues.

“I am honored by the trust in me shown by President Bush,” Tobey said.  “We have an outstanding group of people working for NNSA’s nonproliferation division, and I look forward to continuing work with our nonproliferation programs that promote U.S. national security.”

Tobey has participated in a variety of international negotiations including the Nuclear and Space Talks with the Soviet Union, the U.S.-Russia Space Cooperation Agreement, and the Six Party Talks on North Korea’s nuclear programs.  He began his public service as a Presidential Management Intern in the Office of the Secretary of Defense.

His private sector experience includes heading Wachovia Securities’ institutional sales/trading operations for convertible securities and acting as general partner of a venture capital firm focused on information technology. 

Tobey holds degrees from Northwestern and Harvard Universities.  

Established by Congress in 2000, NNSA is a semi-autonomous agency within the U.S. Department of Energy responsible for enhancing national security through the military application of nuclear science.  NNSA maintains and enhances the safety, security, reliability and performance of the U.S. nuclear weapons stockpile without nuclear testing; works to reduce global danger from weapons of mass destruction; provides the U.S. Navy with safe and effective nuclear propulsion; and responds to nuclear and radiological emergencies in the U.S. and abroad.  Visit http://nnsa.energy.gov/index.htm for more information.

Media contact(s):
NNSA Public Affairs: (202) 586-7371