Sandia National Labs welcomes new director

  • Published
  • By Ryan Stark
  • Nucleus writer
KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  Sandia National Laboratories announced on Monday that Jill Hruby will take over when the laboratories' current director, Paul Hommert, retires on July 17.

Hruby, a 32-year employee of Sandia, is vice president, overseeing Sandia's efforts in nuclear, biological and chemical security as well as homeland security, counterterrorism and energy security.

Hruby is the first woman to lead the national laboratory.

"In my wildest dreams I didn't expect this to happen," she said. "But I took every opportunity I had to take on new challenges, and here I am."

Sandia has always been progressive in the way it approaches the hiring and development of employees, she said.

"Sandia has long welcomed diversity and inclusion, and Sandia has been a leader in developing diverse talent," she said. "Science and engineering is still not a field with a lot of women. To Sandia's credit, it has always fostered that kind of environment."

Hruby came to Sandia in 1983, working in thermal and fluid sciences. She has worked in nanoscience research, hydrogen storage, mechanical component design and microfluidics, among others.

She has two degrees in mechanical engineering, has three patents for  microfabrication and has served as a manager at Sandia's Albuquerque and Livermore, Calif., facilities.

The lab's role in maintaining the America's nuclear weapons, helping the nation better address cyber security and development of alternative energy sources were among her top priorities, she said.

Rick Ambrose, chair for Sandia's board of directors, introduced Hruby at the press conference and paid homage to Hommert.

"Replacing Paul is no small feat," Ambrose said, "and the job of director is unique."

The lab director must deal with a multitude of federal agencies and understand the technical side of things.Given the talents the job requires, Hommert said the board made the right choice in selecting Hruby.

"It is gratifying to me to have this much confidence in this leadership transition," he said. "Jill has been part of the executive team through a lot of challenges and tough decisions. We couldn't be in better hands."