New director sought for INL

The Idaho National Laboratory will be getting a new director.

Battelle Energy Alliance announced Tuesday that it would transition to a new leader at the INL by the end of September 2015.

Director John Grossenbacher led the BEA bid that got the company the contract to manage and operate the INL in February 2005, according to a news release. Before he joined Battelle, he was vice admiral and commander of the U.S. Naval Submarine Forces, according to his online biography.

“John’s unprecedented tenure as lab director in Idaho has had a tremendous impact on the success and growth of the laboratory, and we are grateful for the strong leadership and vision he provided to INL and Battelle,” said Ron Townsend, chair of BEA’s board of managers.

Grossenbacher said he was proud of what he and other INL workers accomplished during his time there.

“I have no doubt that the scientists, engineers, technicians and support personnel who are at INL will continue to solve problems of national importance and secure our energy future while playing an important role in national security,” he said.

Townsend said Battelle would begin a nationwide search for Grossenbacher’s successor immediately.