I would like to provide a follow-up to my message on March 29, 2018, about improving our work planning, control and execution for continued success. To raise the level of focus for the needed improvement and attention on safe operations, I am establishing a new Work Planning and Control Project Office effective immediately. The office reports directly to me with additional oversight provided by UChicago Argonne, LLC. The project office is responsible for:
- Effectively executing the Work Planning Improvement Project Plan
- Ensuring implementation of the necessary rigor of work planning compensatory actions
- Accelerating completion of actions identified in recent safety reviews and investigations including the 2017 Board of Governors Environment, Safety, Security and Health Committee Review
Gary Francis will serve as the interim director. Gary works for Hukari Associates, Inc. and has assisted us on critical projects, including the Nuclear Footprint Reduction Program and the Building 350 transition. He brings deep experience with the U.S. Department of Energy and U.S. Navy in facilities operations and safety management to this new leadership role. I am also selecting leaders from across the lab to work with Gary in the new project office. More information will be available soon.
Our ability to continue our work in discovery science and innovation depends on our success in keeping our people and facilities safe and operational. As I have mentioned previously, we have no more pressing priority. Please join me in doubling down on our efforts to make significant progress over the next weeks and months.