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Sandia National Laboratories Livermore campus is under new leadership as of this week with officials announcing the promotion of Toby Townsend to associate labs director.
As head of Sandia’s integrated security solutions division effective June 16, Townsend now oversees operations at Sandia, manages the California Nuclear Deterrence programs, directs Sandia’s Energy and Homeland Security portfolio and leads a workforce of more than 2,000 staff across California, New Mexico, Texas and Alaska, according to a statement from Sandia officials Monday.
Townsend’s new post follows a 20-plus year career at Sandia where he has specialized in nuclear deterrence and national security. He succeeds Andrew McIlroy whose forthcoming retirement was announced in April.
Key to Townsend’s selection is his track record in delivering complex systems and programs across the nuclear security enterprise, labs director Laura McGill said in a statement.
“His leadership in both nuclear deterrence and national security space programs reflects his deep technical expertise and commitment to Sandia’s mission,” McGill said. “He understands the responsibility that comes with delivering national security systems that must work the first time and every time.”
Prior to leading the integrated security solutions division, Townsend served as director of nuclear deterrence systems, guiding the W80-4 warhead modernization program and leading the California stockpile systems and engineering services teams.
“I am excited and grateful to be provided the opportunity to continue Sandia National Laboratories’ amazing tradition of exceptional service in the national interest here in Livermore,” Townsend said of his associate labs director position. “This site has a rich history of doing incredibly vital things for national security and partnering with the community.”
Townsend joined Sandia as an intern in 1999, later becoming an electrical engineer supporting work related to the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty. He has also served in leadership roles in national security space programs, nuclear detonation detection and defense nuclear nonproliferation.
Through his time at Sandia, Townsend has built partnerships across the laboratories, National Nuclear Security Administration, the Department of Defense and other government agencies, according to McGill.
Sandia Labs’ main facilities are based in Albuquerque and Livermore at 7011 East Ave.
“He’s shown the ability to drive results while supporting the people and culture that make Sandia exceptional,” McGill said.
Townsend holds a master’s degree in electrical engineering from Princeton University and a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of New Mexico.
As a Bay Area resident, Townsend said he looks forward to deepening the lab’s community connections in Livermore and the wider Tri-Valley.
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