Colleagues,
There were many lessons from last month’s two Public Safety Power Shutdowns. One key learning is that we can never be too prepared. In order to increase the Lab’s readiness for emergency response, such as the PSPS events, I am pleased to announce changes within Operations to create a holistic unit focused on all of our preventative and emergency services. To aid in our overall preparedness, this group will concentrate on response, prevention, and resiliency for both operations and research.
Effective immediately, Security, Fire, and Emergency Management are being brought into one organization called the Security and Emergency Services Division. David von Damm, our current Chief of Site Security, will serve as the interim Division Director while we conduct a nationwide search for a permanent Division Director.
Continuity of operations is important for any organization during and after an emergency, and at Berkeley Lab, we have the additional responsibility to ensure continuity of research. David and his team will work closely with our science mission partners to further identify steps to ensure our critical research equipment, experiments, and data are identified and protected during any emergency.
A critical component of a successful response effort is having both operations and research components working together to safeguard our Lab, our people, and our reputation as a world leader in scientific research. Please join me in welcoming David to his new role and thank you in advance for your support.
Michael Brandt
Deputy Director, Operations and
Chief Operating Officer