Susan Lucas Named ESnet’s Deputy Director for Operations

Susan Lucas has been named as the new Scientific Networking Division (SND) Deputy Director for Operations, SND and ESnet Director Greg Bell announced Jan. 6. Lucas, whose appointment is effective Jan. 14, worked at the Joint Genome Institute as head of the Production Department, as well as leader of the Strategic Planning, Operations, and Capabilities Group.

“Our selection committee reviewed more than 100 applications for this critical position, and we're very fortunate to have found a leader of Susan's caliber to fill it,” Bell wrote in announcing the appointment. “I think you'll find her to be an optimistic, energetic, team-oriented colleague - in short, an excellent cultural fit for this Division.” 

As department head for Production, Lucas led a team of over 100 technical and support staff, managing an annual budget of $25 million. In this role, she oversaw sequencing efforts for three human chromosomes, championed process-improvement initiatives, and was a strong advocate for ergonomics and safety. In her strategic planning position at JGI, Lucas had responsibility for institutional project management and continuous improvement activities in a multi-Lab Facility with 270 employees and over 1,000 users. 

Lucas has received numerous awards, co-authored 53 peer-reviewed journal articles, and serves on the Board of Biotech Partners, an educational non-profit. She earned an MBA from UC Davis, and a bachelor's in biology from the University of Oregon. She has worked at the Joint Genome Institute since 1997.

In order to complete existing commitments at LLNL, Lucas will be working for Scientific Networking on a part-time basis (three days a week) through the end of June.