Release date: May 1, 2008
Mike Kluse named director of U.S. Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
Mike Kluse
(Original high-resolution image.)
RICHLAND, Wash. – Battelle announced today that Mike Kluse has been named as the new director of the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL). Battelle manages the lab for DOE, which also approved Kluse as the permanent choice for this position.
Since taking the helm as interim director in 2007, Kluse has led PNNL in improving efficiency of operations and partnering with the Tri-Cities community on a concept for a local high school focused on science, technology, engineering and mathematics. He also has worked to ensure that the Capability Replacement Laboratory project stays on schedule and within budget. And his management team delivered an exciting science vision for the Laboratory to DOE's Under Secretary for Science Dr. Raymond L. Orbach.
"Given Mike's accomplishments as interim director, and his longstanding record of leadership as associate laboratory director for the National Security Directorate, he was our first and best choice for this position," said Dr. Jeffrey Wadsworth, Battelle's executive vice president for Global Laboratory Operations. "Mike kept staff focused on the hallmark of Battelle's laboratory management: simultaneous excellence in science and technology, management and operations, and community stewardship."
Under Secretary for Science Orbach also praised the selection of Mike Kluse. "Mike Kluse has shown the leadership that will help our national laboratory to continue its strong tradition of producing quality science," Dr. Orbach said. "His vision in leading development of the Laboratory's vision and strategy for the future will help ensure that PNNL will continue to meet national security, energy, and environmental challenges facing our nation."
Mr. Kluse began his career with Battelle and progressed through management positions of increasing complexity and responsibility within the national security business area at Battelle. He has led multiple technical departments and research and development projects, and previously managed all of PNNL's national security business, which includes science and technology for DOE's National Nuclear Security Administration, DOE's Office of Intelligence and Counterintelligence, the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Defense and the Intelligence Community.
Kluse earned his bachelor's of science in Systems Analysis from Miami (Ohio) University in 1973, and a masters of science in Industrial and Systems Engineering in 1978 from The Ohio State University. From 1973 to 1976, he served in the U.S. Air Force at Eglin Air Force Base and received an Air Force Commendation Medal for his accomplishments.