Positions Created as Part of Reorg. Of Safety, Security Functions

Mike Nartker
NS&D Monitor
4/04/2014

The Department of Energy has moved to fill a set of new Chief Security Officer positions created as part of reorganization of the Department’s health, safety and security functions, according to a message sent to employees late last week. Michael Lempke has been named acting Chief Security Officer for the National Nuclear Security Administration and acting Chief of Nuclear Security. Lempke previously held the title of NNSA associate principal deputy administrator. Jimmy McMillian has been named as Chief Security Officer for the Under Secretary of Management and Performance, which oversees DOE’s offices of Environmental Management and Legacy Management. McMillian will continue to serve as director of EM’s Office of Safeguards, Security and Emergency Management. Dennis Miotla has been named acting Chief Security Officer for the Under Secretary for Science and Energy. Miotla will continue to serve as chief operating officer and acting principal deputy assistant secretary for the Department’s Office of Nuclear Energy.

The new chief security officers are intended to create “clearer lines of responsibility, authority, and accountability within the Department,” DOE’s message states. The new chief security officers will also be part of a new Security Committee intended to develop security strategies and policies across the Department. The committee will be chaired by Bruce Held, who is set to serve Associate Deputy Secretary once a new National Nuclear Security Administration Administrator is in place. Held currently serves as acting NNSA administrator.

DOE also confirmed last week that Glenn Podonsky, as expected, will head the new Office of Independent Enterprise Assessments, which will consist of the oversight and enforcement functions currently within the Office of Health, Safety, and Security, as well as the National Training Center. The new office intended to serve “as an important check-and-balance” to help the Department meet “our responsibilities as a self-regulating entity,” DOE’s message states, adding,” Mr. Podonsky brings to this assignment nearly 30 years of experience in overseeing such independent assessments as well as great insight, experience, and understanding of the Department’s organizational challenges.”