Helms Announces Retirement
Career culminates with JLab, 32 years of federal service

Dean Helms, the DOE Site Office Manager for Jefferson Lab is retiring after 32 years of federal service.

Helms leaves behind a distinguished career marked by recognition and many special awards and a project he nurtured from construction to successful operation - Jefferson Lab.

Since 1988, Helms has been responsible for the Department of Energy's oversight of Jefferson Lab. In the early stages of construction, he was there to help Jefferson Lab over the rough spots with DOE - paving the way for a DOE/laboratory relationship that is the envy of many.

Prior to his assignment at Jefferson Lab, Helms held a number of positions in DOE Headquarters including Chief of Staff to the Undersecretary of Energy (1987-1988). In that role, he provided management support to the Under Secretary who was the Chief Operating Officer of the Department. Earlier DOE Headquarters assignments include Deputy Director of Administration and Director of Organization and Management Systems. During his career, Helms also held positions in the Savannah River and Albuquerque DOE Operations Offices.

One of Helm's toughest challenges was his recent assignment at DOE's Brookhaven National Laboratory where he served as Executive Manager for the DOE Office from May 1997 to July 1998. In that role, Helms successfully led the transition efforts to replace the management and operating contractor at the lab and implemented broadly-scoped management improvements, including enhanced environmental, health and safety systems and community involvement programs.

Helms has been recognized by the Department of Energy for his many contributions with the Presidential Meritorious Executive award, the Vice President's Hammer award he shares with Jefferson Lab, two Secretary of Energy Gold Medals and numerous Special Service awards.

When asked what he will miss most about his work, Helms replied, "There is no question that the thing I will miss most will be the professional and personal relationships with my friends and colleagues within the DOE family including many long-term associates in the Department and in our laboratories. Obviously, I will also greatly miss the excitement of Jefferson Lab where so many great things are happening as well as the challenge of helping the Laboratory be the best it can be."

maintained by webmaster@jlab.org