Kenneth R. Tarcza, a retired Army officer, has been named manager of the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge Office in Tennessee as of May 3. He will oversee the Integrated Support Center, which provides services to multiple national laboratories and Office of Science sites.
The appointment was announced Monday by the DOE’s Office of Science. Don Thress has been acting in the position since Kevin Hall departed last year.
Tarcza will manage operations on the DOE reservation and coordinate activities with his federal counterparts at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory Site Office, Office of Environmental Management, and the National Nuclear Security Administration’s Production Office.
Tarcza is a former chief of staff for the U.S. Army Research, Development, and Engineering Command. He retired from the Army in 2015 as a colonel, having served – among many roles – at the Army Research Laboratory at the Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland, where he oversaw research activities and collaborations with academia.
Joseph McBrearty, deputy director for field operations at DOE’s Office of Science, said in a statement: “Ken brings to the table an impressive portfolio of qualifications. We welcome his perspective and expertise in leading the Oak Ridge Office.”
He holds a bachelor’s of science degree in mechanical engineering from the U.S. Military Academy and a master’s degree and doctorate from the University of Texas.
Next up for the Office of Science will be filling the deputy manager’s position at the Oak Ridge Office.
According to John Shewairy, who has held the position on an acting basis since October, the agency plans to advertise the position soon, probably within the next couple of weeks.
There is no word yet on when the position will be filled permanently. Shewairy also holds the position of assistant manager for administration.
The Oak Ridge Office has about 180 employees.
