Toby Townsend named Integrated Security Solutions ALD

Sandia selected nuclear deterrence expert Toby Townsend to lead its California campus, effective June 16.

Toby will serve as associate Labs director for Sandia’s Integrated Security Solutions Division. In this role he will oversee operations at the Livermore campus, manage the California Nuclear Deterrence programs, direct Sandia’s Energy and Homeland Security portfolio, and lead a workforce of more than 2,000 staff across California, New Mexico, Texas and Alaska.

He has spent his more than 20-year career at Sandia specializing in nuclear deterrence and national security. Labs Director Laura McGill cited Toby’s track record in delivering complex systems and programs across the nuclear security enterprise as a key factor in his selection.

“His leadership in both nuclear deterrence and national security space programs reflects his deep technical expertise and commitment to Sandia’s mission,” Laura said. “Toby has built trusted partnerships across Sandia, NNSA, the DOD 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.”

Toby joined Sandia as an intern in 1999 before working as an electrical engineer supporting work related to the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty. He has held leadership roles in national security space programs, nuclear detonation detection and defense nuclear nonproliferation. Most recently, he served as director of nuclear deterrence systems, guiding the W80-4 warhead modernization program and leading the California stockpile systems and engineering services teams.

“I am excited and grateful to be provided the opportunity to continue Sandia National Laboratories’ amazing tradition of exceptional service in the national interest here in Livermore,” he said. “This site has a rich history of doing incredibly vital things for national security and partnering with the community.”

Toby holds a master’s degree in electrical engineering from Princeton University and a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of New Mexico. He lives in the Bay Area with his family and said he looks forward to deepening Sandia’s role as a community partner in Livermore and the Tri-Valley.