David McCumber was named CER Division Leader, effective Feb. 24. Most recently, McCumber served as chief of staff and general counsel to former New Mexico Gov. Gary Johnson. He was responsible for, among other things, the personnel and budget operations of the Office of the Governor, state budget planning, legislative negotiations and policy development.
"David has a demonstrated track record of recognizing and resolving complex issues, which will prove a real asset to Los Alamos during this period of focus on our business and administrative practices," said Marquez. "Just as importantly he brings valuable skills to help coordinate our governmental relations, community affairs and public affairs efforts during this critical time."
McCumber, a graduate of Wheaton College and Baylor University School of Law, will report to Associate Director for Administration Richard A. Marquez.
Marquez also announced that James Fallin will assume the position of Director of Public Affairs, effective March 3, 2003. A native New Mexican, Fallin spent much of his professional career in the United States Navy, including as press secretary and spokesman both for the White House and Pentagon as well as for multinational media operations established to support several international humanitarian missions.
"Through his experiences in the Navy, Jim has developed a clear understanding of the need to balance security against the public's right to know, as well as how to coordinate with multiple levels of authority," said Nanos.
Fallin, a graduate of the University of New Mexico and the Naval War College, currently is Deputy Director and Media Relations Manager for the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality Waste Programs Division
In making the appointments, Marquez also acknowledged Linn Tytler's leadership as interim public affairs director. "Linn has provided valuable counsel during an extraordinarily difficult time and has helped identify for me a number of areas where we can improve our communications and external relations efforts," said Marquez. "She will continue to serve as deputy director of public affairs, but I also expect she will be contributing directly to Interim Director Pete Nanos on a number of critical special projects."
Marquez said a search will continue to fill the vacant Director of Governmental Relations position.
Los Alamos enhances global security by ensuring the safety and reliability of the U.S. nuclear stockpile, developing technologies to reduce threats from weapons of mass destruction, and solving problems related to energy, environment, infrastructure, health and national security concerns.
Los Alamos National Laboratory, a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security, is operated by Los Alamos National Security, LLC, a team composed of Bechtel National, the University of California, The Babcock & Wilcox Company, and Washington Group International for the Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration.
Los Alamos enhances national security by ensuring the safety and reliability of the U.S. nuclear stockpile, developing technologies to reduce threats from weapons of mass destruction, and solving problems related to energy, environment, infrastructure, health, and global security concerns.