Department of Energy Richland Operations Office Manager Matt McCormick yesterday announced that he would be retiring from the Department beginning in mid June. McCormick has been at the post since July 2010, and prior to that he was assistant manager for the Central Plateau in Richland for seven years. During his tenure he developed the “2015 Vision” to focus funds on cleanup along the Columbia River, oversaw $1.6 billion in Recovery Act Work, negotiated the startup of underground transuranic waste shipments to the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant and saw the demo of several support buildings at the Plutonium Finishing Plant. After McCormick’s departure, Deputy Site Manager Doug Shoop will act as site lead until a new manager is named.
McCormick is leaving DOE after 20 years in nuclear weapons and cleanup programs. “The first order of business is to spend additional time with my family, and eventually, to put my skills and experience to work in the private sector,” McCormick said in a message to employees yesterday. “It’s been an honor and a privilege to work with a dedicated federal and contractor workforce, the community, tribes and stakeholders in cleaning up Hanford lands, preserving the rich history and protecting site resources. I know many challenges lie ahead, and I look forward to watching your progress.”
DOE cleanup chief Dave Huizenga yesterday praised McCormick’s work. “Matt’s leadership at RL over the last decade has resulted in tremendous achievements for the cleanup at Hanford,” he said in a message to DOE employees. He added: “Please join me in thanking Matt for his service to the nation and congratulating him on a remarkable federal career. I am confident Matt will be equally successful in whatever challenges he chooses to tackle next, which I understand may include cleaning out his garage.”
