Dean Helms: Man With a Vision

The first thing Dean Helms sees when he walks into his office each morning is a vivid reminder of his purpose at Jefferson Lab. During the day, this reminder is constantly in front of Helms' face. Flashing brightly across his computer screen is the question, "How does this contribute to the vision?" The question is intended as a challenge that all activities performed during the day should add value and contribute to the achievement of the vision. This vision motivates Helms, the Department of Energy Site Office Manager, to make Jefferson Lab an excellent scientific asset for its users, the Department of Energy, and the nation.

Helms' career with the DOE began following his education at Duke University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. After graduation, Helms was recruited by the Atomic Energy Commission (a predecessor to the Department of Energy) for a management intern program. The program was designed for new college graduates to provide entry level management positions for careers with the government. This opportunity has led to a 30 year career with the DOE and the chance to work at sites in South Carolina, New Mexico, Washington, D.C., and finally Newport News.

As the DOE Site Office Manager since 1988, Helms is responsible for ensuring that all parties involved in the laboratory have a clear understanding of its mission and goals. "My job is to team with Dennis Barnes, president of SURA, Hermann Grunder, the program officials in Washington, and the Oak Ridge people to make sure that we have a constructive partnership and that we all understand the goals and objectives of Jefferson Lab," said Helms. "We also have to have a common understanding of the best strategies for achieving those goals". Recently, Helms was instrumental in getting a document called "Partnership Principles" signed by the DOE and SURA. "Partnership Principles" is a framework that outlines how the DOE and SURA are going to work together to achieve what is in the best interest of Jefferson Lab and DOE. "Hopefully these guidelines and principles will help define our roles and facilitate solutions and approaches to implementing new initiatives," says Helms. "It will also be very useful in developing future courses of action."

During Helms 30 year career with the DOE, he has worked with many senior officials and managers. Through previous positions in Washington, he has an infinite awareness of both the history and the structure of the DOE. He has also established an unshakable credibility within the DOE. Helms' extensive knowledge of how the DOE works makes him a valuable asset to Jefferson Lab. "My value to the lab has been enhanced by the knowledge I have of the people and of how decisions are made within the DOE," says Helms. "When an issue arises at Jefferson Lab, my background tells me who within the DOE is the best person to go to for a resolution." This knowledge of the inner workings of the DOE helps to avoid messy issues or resolve them in a timely manner.

Issue resolution is not Helms' only area of expertise. As a representative of the DOE, Helms works closely with Jefferson Lab director, Hermann Grunder in providing a unified front to the local community and to others with whom the lab interacts. "Hermann and I feel that it is important for the DOE and Jefferson Lab to work and stand together," says Helms. "When we have visitors, for example, it is important for them to see someone from the DOE present and enthusiastic about the work being done here."

When Helms is not working, he enjoys traveling with his wife, Susan. They have been to England, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Mexico, Hungary, Canada, and Australia. During his visit to Queensland, Australia, Helms had to get use to the climate getting warmer when traveling north and cooler when traveling south.

Helms says that his journeys overseas benefit his performance as DOE Site Office Manager. His exposure to other countries and the values they hold enable him to interact successfully with the many foreign visitors who come to Jefferson Lab.

Rebecca James, Director's Office Intern

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