Jill Hruby was sworn in as the Under Secretary for Nuclear Security of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and Administrator of the National Nuclear Security Administration on July 26th, 2021. She was confirmed by the Senate on July 22nd, 2021. Administrator Hruby will lead NNSA in achieving our Nation’s nuclear security missions by ensuring the Nuclear Security Enterprise is bringing cutting-edge science and creativity to sustain and fully understand our stockpile without testing; providing new technologies and procedures to lower cost and reduce the time to deliver all mission requirements; staying ahead of our adversaries; and developing advanced capabilities to enhance nuclear security, arms control, and Navy reactors.
With an extensive background in science and engineering spanning more than 30 years, Jill Hruby brings a wealth of national security experience to NNSA. Prior to her nomination as Administrator, Jill Hruby served as Director of Sandia National Laboratories from 2015-17.
Since her retirement from Sandia National Laboratories, Jill Hruby served as the inaugural Sam Nunn Distinguished Fellow at the Nuclear Threat Initiative from 2018-19. In addition, she has been a member of the Defense Science Board, the National Nuclear Security Administration Defense Programs Advisory Committee, and the National Academy of Science Committee for International Security and Arms Control. She has served on a variety of technical advisory committees and non-profit organization boards.
She is a frequent participant in international dialogues; a spokesperson for women in engineering; and a mentor for emerging leaders.
Hruby earned her bachelor’s degree from Purdue University and her master’s degree from the University of California at Berkeley, both in mechanical engineering. She has authored numerous publications and reports, holds three patents, and received an R&D 100 Award. In 2016, she received the Suzanne Jenniches Upward Mobility Award from the Society of Women Engineers. In 2017, Business Insider named her the second most powerful female engineer. Jill has received the Department of Energy Secretary’s Exceptional Service Award, the National Nuclear Security Administrator’s Distinguished Service Gold Award, and the Office of the Secretary of Defense Medal for Exceptional Public Service.
