Former Lockheed Executive to Lead DOE’s Jefferson Lab

The Department of Energy’s Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility has named Kim Sawyer as its next director, effective Aug. 2.

Jefferson Science Associates, which manages and operates the laboratory for the agency, announced the appointment.

Sawyer previously served as deputy laboratory director and chief operating officer at Argonne National Laboratory and Sandia National Laboratories.

Before joining the DOE research facilities, she held leadership roles at Lockheed Martin, during which she supported complex Department of Defense programs, Jefferson Science Associates said.

In her new position, Sawyer will lead all activities at the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility, which focuses on exploring the nature of matter. She will replace Stuart Henderson, who has served as the laboratory’s director since 2017.

“Kim delivers results, and we are confident her leadership and technical acumen will guide the lab as it begins its evolution to a multi-program laboratory,” said Sean Hearne, chairman of the JSA board of directors.