Kimberly Sawyer
Kimberly Sawyer is the Director of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility, a world-leading nuclear physics research institution for exploring the nature of matter. Jefferson Lab features the first large-scale superconducting accelerator, known as the Continuous Electron Beam Accelerator Facility, or CEBAF, that enables the research of more than 1,900 scientific users.
Sawyer serves as the fifth director in the lab’s history. She assumed the role in August 2024.
As laboratory director, Sawyer provides the vision for the lab’s operations and future. She sets laboratory policy and program direction; procures sufficient funding for optimal operation; oversees the successful delivery of its research programs; and ensures that Jefferson Lab complies with all regulations and laws and fulfills its contractual obligations.
A successful change agent recognized as a leader in STEM, diversity, and public service, Sawyer brings extensive executive experience in leadership, championing innovation and building a strong safety culture. She has a proven track record driving organizational effectiveness and efficiencies within the DOE complex.
Sawyer has served as the deputy laboratory director and chief operating officer at Argonne National Laboratory. Sawyer also served as the deputy laboratories director and executive vice president for mission support at Sandia National Laboratories.
Prior to DOE, Sawyer worked at defense contractor Lockheed Martin, where she led large engineering and technology organizations supporting complex U.S. Department of Defense programs. She also held roles of progressive leadership in private industry.
Sawyer holds a master’s degree in mathematics and computing from the University of Massachusetts Lowell and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Robert Morris University.
Sawyer has served on advisory and review committees, including Stanford University’s SLAC Board of Operations, and Ames National Laboratory operations board. She also is an active advisor for the University of Chicago National Laboratory office and vice chair of the University of Massachusetts Lowell Kennedy College of Science board.