WASHINGTON, D.C. - National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) Administrator Linton F. Brooks announced today that William J. Desmond has been named the Department of Energy's (DOE) Chief of Defense Nuclear Security and NNSA's Associate Administrator for Defense Nuclear Security. He has held both positions on an acting basis since June 2004.

"Bill's talents and expertise are a great asset to NNSA and the department," said Administrator Brooks. " I am delighted that he has accepted these roles on a permanent basis."

As associate administrator, Desmond is responsible for the development, implementation, and oversight of the NNSA-wide security program and management of the annual NNSA security budget of $700 million.

The department's chief of defense nuclear security is appointed by the Secretary of Energy and is charged with coordinating security issues throughout the department. This position was established by the National Nuclear Security Administration Act of 1999.

Desmond has over 38 years of field and headquarters security experience, and has held a variety of senior-level positions in the department. His experience outside the department includes service as a senior advisor for security at the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

He is a graduate of Monsignor Coyle High School in Taunton, MA, the College of the Holy Cross, and Florida State University.

Established by Congress in 2000, NNSA is a semi-autonomous agency within the U.S. Department of Energy responsible for enhancing national security through the military application of nuclear energy. NNSA maintains and enhances the safety, security, reliability and performance of the U.S. nuclear weapons stockpile without nuclear testing; works to reduce global danger from weapons of mass destruction; provides the U.S. Navy with safe and effective nuclear propulsion; and responds to nuclear and radiological emergencies in the U.S. and abroad.

For more information about Associate Administrator Bill Desmond, check out his biography.

Media contact(s):
Kim Krueger (202) 586-7371

Number: NA-05-16