In a town hall for New Mexico staff members and a news conference May 14, Labs Director Laura McGill presented her vision for Sandia’s future to staff members and the public. Laura said that she plans to center Sandia’s role on delivering on its mission as nuclear weapons system integrator, while also further embracing cutting-edge advancements in science and research, including artificial intelligence, and continuing Sandia’s deep commitment to supporting the Albuquerque and Livermore communities.

Laura will address Sandia California on May 21. California staff can find the Teams link to attend in Sandia Daily News and on Top News on Inside. All staff can find recordings of the New Mexico all-hands meeting on Top News.

Before becoming Labs director, Laura served as deputy Labs director for Nuclear Deterrence and chief technology officer for four years. In 2019, she was inducted into the National Academy of Engineering, recognizing her significant contributions to the field.

Laura received a bachelor’s degree in aeronautical and astronautical engineering from the University of Washington and a master’s degree in aerospace systems from West Coast University. She is a Lifetime Fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, where she served as President from 2022 to 2024, and she was an adjunct professor at Johns Hopkins University’s Whiting School of Engineering.

Laura succeeds James Peery, who served as Labs director from 2020 to 2025.