Head of National Nuclear Security Administration steps down

After more than 36 years of service — including the last five and a half years as the NNSA Administrator and Under Secretary for Nuclear Security, and two years as Deputy Administrator for Defense Programs — my wife Beth and I have decided the timing is right for me to leave Federal service.  This was a difficult decision for me as I am committed to serving our country, committed to the missions of the NNSA, the Environmental Management Organization, the Office of Legacy Management, and I am committed to you in carrying out this mission.

However, I have an equally important commitment to my wife and family and I am a strong believer that organizations are healthier when leadership changes on a periodic basis.  The time is right for this change and I will step down from this position on 18 January 2013, at the end of the first term of the Obama Administration.

The ability to serve our nation is a privilege and I have been blessed to be able to do so for many years.  You should consider yourselves blessed as well.  Whether you are a federal civilian, military service member, a laboratory or production plant employee, or support service contractor, you are all serving our nation in an important way.  What makes a great job?  I think there are a few essential ingredients.  These ingredients include the ability to serve, the ability to work in an area that has an impact with real meaning and national significance, and finally the ability to work with exceptional and committed professionals.  All of us are very fortunate to have this opportunity in the work we do every day.  In the hustle of the work that we do on a day to day basis, it is easy to forget that we are blessed to have jobs that possess these ingredients.  Take the time to remember what you have in your work and the value you bring to your country.

Finally, I want to thank you for your support to me over the nearly eight years in these positions.  I deeply appreciate your commitment to the mission, for keeping an eye on what is important, and for taking care of each other.  As Beth frequently reminds me, take the time and effort to make a real difference in someone’s life each and every day, a philosophy that I have found to help guide me and maintain a sense of personal and professional balance.  It has been truly an honor and privilege to serve with you and to serve the country in the wide variety of roles and opportunities I have been presented.  I will cherish the many memories and relationships that have been forged during our time working together.

Until the time when a fully confirmed Administrator and Undersecretary is in place, I ask that you give your full support to Neile Miller as she takes on the role of acting Administrator and acting Undersecretary for Nuclear Security.

Do not forget what you do.  You Serve.  Press on with the nation’s work.  May God richly bless you.  Tom