NNSA Production Office Manager Erhart Addresses Departure Rumors

National Nuclear Security Administration Production Office Manager Steve Erhart isn’t denying rumors that he could be leaving his post as the top federal official overseeing the Y-12 and Pantex plants, but he didn’t confirm anything either in a message to NPO employees last week. Erhart called the rumors “unsettling and distracting,” but acknowledged that his position as a member of the Senior Executive Service requires moving around. “This Administrator as well as the last two Acting Administrators embrace that philosophy as do I,” Erhart said. “The decision regarding who does which job and for how long is the NNSA Administrator’s to make. Obviously if there is a change involving multiple leaders, the communications and the timing would need to be carefully managed from NNSA HQ and not originate from the field.”

 

Erhart has headed up the field office since the Y-12 and Pantex site offices were combined in 2012 to help oversee the agency’s Y-12/Pantex management and operating contract. He headed up the Pantex Site office from 2008 to 2012. Sandia Field Office Manager Geoff Beausoleil is believed to be a possible replacement for Erhart. In his message to employees, Erhart acknowledged that the uncertainty might not be satisfying to employees, but he said, “That is really all I can say about that. I am grateful to have a personally fulfilling job that I will continue to do to the best of my abilities until it is time for me to go and do something else.”