ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Sandia National Laboratories President C. Paul Robinson today announced management changes prompted by the findings of an independent investigation delivered to Sandia on June 4. This independent investigation, headed by former US Attorney Norman Bay, looked into allegations that some internal security investigations were impeded or the investigators were retaliated against.
The changes effective at 9:30 a.m. today (June 24):
- Dave Nokes has agreed to retire effective June 25, as vice president for National Security and Arms Control, as requested by Robinson;
- Al Romig, currently vice president for Science, Technology and Partnerships, will replace Nokes;
- A replacement for Romig will be announced soon;
- Patricia Gingrich, who has been director of the Systems Assessment and Research Center, has been reassigned to the Advanced Concepts Group where she will work on evolving counterterrorism strategies;
- Jerry Allen, a former Labs’ executive staff director who retired from Sandia in December 2001, will return for at least six months as director of the Systems Assessment and Research Center, pending the appointment of a permanent director.
Robinson announced these changes following an approximately three-week review of the 221-page Bay Report plus its hundreds of pages of associated exhibits. He said, “These were very tough decisions to make, in cases of great complexity.”
Labs management, Robinson said, is continuing to review and analyze the Bay Report to determine what additional personnel actions and policy changes may be appropriate. A summary of the Bay Report will be made available after all personnel actions are completed.
“Changes, especially when unexpected, are particularly difficult,” Robinson said, “but they hopefully serve to assure continued public confidence and support for Sandia and all our programs. This has been a very trying experience. I know the changes we’re making today will make us stronger.”
Robinson announced some “disturbing concerns” about management of the Labs’ security force at a March 20, 2003, press conference. These included allegations that individuals had impeded internal investigations or retaliated against the investigators, as well as security incidents ranging from two security guards caught napping while on duty to the disappearance and reappearance of a set of keys, which is still under investigation.
Robinson commissioned the Bay Report in August 2002.