Sandia National Laboratories, a multi-mission laboratory, recently appointed Toby Townsend, a nuclear deterrence expert, as associate laboratories director of Sandia’s Integrated Security Solutions Division, effective immediately.
“His leadership in both nuclear deterrence and national security space programs reflects his deep technical expertise and commitment to Sandia’s mission,” Labs Director Laura McGill said. “Toby has built trusted partnerships across Sandia, NNSA, the Department of Defense and other government agencies. He understands the responsibility that comes with delivering national security systems that must work the first time and every time. He’s shown the ability to drive results while supporting the people and culture that make Sandia exceptional.”
Townsend has more than 25 years of experience. He has held leadership roles in national security space programs, nuclear detonation detection and defense nuclear nonproliferation and began his career at Sandia as an intern in 1999. He also has worked as an electrical engineer supporting work related to the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty. In his most recent position, he served as nuclear deterrence systems director.
In his new role, Townsend will direct Sandia’s Energy and Homeland Security portfolio, manage the California Nuclear Deterrence programs, oversee operations at the Livermore campus, and lead a workforce of more than 2,000 staff.