Laura McGill will be Sandia National Laboratories’ 17th director effective May 1, following the retirement of James Peery at the end of April.
McGill has worked as the deputy laboratories director for Nuclear Deterrence at Sandia, as well as chief technology officer, since January 2021, according to a press release on Sandia’s website. She will oversee Sandia’s national security programs, as well as the nuclear stockpile.
McGill earned a bachelor’s degree in aeronautical and astronautical engineering from the University of Washington, and a master’s degree in aerospace systems from West Coast University.
“Laura’s extensive experience in defense systems engineering and her proven leadership within Sandia make her exceptionally qualified to guide the Laboratories into the future,” Rich DeGraff, Chair of the National Technology and Engineering Solutions of Sandia Board of Managers, said in the release. He added, “We extend our deepest gratitude to James for his dedicated service and visionary leadership.”
