Los Alamos National Laboratory names new deputy director

LOS ALAMOS, N.M., November 25, 2008 -- Today, Los Alamos National Laboratory announced that Isaac “Ike” Richardson has been selected to be the new deputy director, effective February 1, 2009. Richardson will replace Jan Van Prooyen, who--after three years at the Laboratory and a distinguished 43-year career in national security matters--has announced his plans to retire in early 2009.

Van Prooyen joined the Lab from Bechtel in 2006, following the NNSA’s selection of Los Alamos National Security, LLC to operate the Laboratory.

“I want to thank Jan for his commitment to the Laboratory, valuable insights, and leadership over the last three years,” said Laboratory Director Mike Anastasio. “At the same time, I welcome Ike and believe that his experience and skills will complement and enhance the strong leadership team that the Laboratory has in place.”

Richardson brings 37 years of leadership experience to Los Alamos. He spent 31 years in the U.S. Navy, where he attained the rank of rear admiral. He commanded the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Nimitz and provided strategic direction of large, complex organizations, such as the U.S. Navy aircraft carrier program.

He also provided oversight of storage and compliance programs for prepositioned U.S. nuclear weapons assigned to NATO throughout Europe. He joined Bechtel in 2003. Most recently, Richardson oversaw Bechtel’s civil infrastructure projects in Qatar, where he guided development of the $11 billion New Doha International Airport, and headed Bechtel’s Aviation business line. Before that, he served as President of Kwajalein Range Services for Bechtel and headed Bechtel’s recovery operations in Mississippi for FEMA in 2005 with a 2,800 member rapid-response team supporting 100,000 displaced residents.

Richardson has a master of science degree in aeronautical systems from the University of West Florida, a master of arts degree in strategy and policy from the Naval War College, and a bachelor of engineering degree from Vanderbilt University.

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.