Hawkins, taking over his new role as of June 2, is currently the leader of the Nonproliferation and International Security Division (NIS). One of the largest technical divisions at the Laboratory, NIS has responsibilities ranging from nuclear facilities and research through space science, with more than 800 employees. In the new position, Hawkins will be tasked with coordinating closely with the groups and programs across the Laboratory involved with sensitive programs. He will retain his duties as senior intelligence officer and director of the Los Alamos Field Intelligence Element.
Interim Director Nanos said of the choice, "By placing Terry in this new role, reporting to me directly, I can strengthen the accountability and operational oversight of some of the most sensitive and important programs we conduct for this nation. At the same time, I can better ensure that the full range of capabilities of the Laboratory are made available to this vital sector of national security."
"In today's dynamic environment, Terry's position will also strengthen the Laboratory's ability to respond rapidly when called on by Washington. This appointment is an expression of my personal confidence and trust in Terry, who has unique experience and an international reputation in the fields of counterterrorism, intelligence and nonproliferation," Nanos said.
Nanos has worked since his initial appointment as interim director to build accountability and responsiveness across all facets of Laboratory operations, and enabling a senior figure to fully focus on these key laboratory projects further advances that effort. This move also reinforces the efforts on the part of the University of California to ensure the most effective possible oversight of critical programs.
Said Hawkins, "I have enjoyed my tenure in NIS leadership. Our team has worked hard to make enormous contributions to the security of our nation and free people everywhere. This new role that I have accepted is a product of our success."
"The Laboratory's portfolio of programs has expanded, and following September 11 much of that portfolio has been in areas with increased security and oversight requirements. Ensuring that the Laboratory performs to these highest of standards is an exciting challenge. I was asked by the Interim Director to take on this new function and, as a citizen of the Laboratory, I'm glad to do it," Hawkins said.
Taking over acting leadership of the Nonproliferation and International Security Division will be Joseph C. Giles, currently principal deputy division leader, who will maintain consistency and quality of division performance during the search for new leadership. Said Giles, "My primary objective will be to make sure we maintain the momentum in our vitally important programmatic and scientific work while the transition is underway. Our scientific and technology program continues to be second to none."
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.