Bechtel Principal Vice President and former Deputy Director of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) Tom Gioconda was recently recognized for his more than 40 years of service to the U.S. Air Force, Department of Energy (DOE), and the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) with the Administrator’s Gold Medal. The highest honorary award granted by the NNSA, the Gold Medal recognizes individuals for outstanding leadership and sustained accomplishments.
Gioconda received the award from NNSA Administrator Lisa E. Gordon-Hagerty during a December ceremony in Washington, D.C. Gioconda also was presented with the Secretary of Energy’s Exceptional Service Award recognizing his notable career dedication and outstanding service to the DOE.
“The contributions Tom has made, and continues to make, to our industry have had a long-lasting impact on Bechtel, DOE, NNSA, and our national security,” said Barbara Rusinko, president of Bechtel’s Nuclear, Security & Environmental global business unit. “His leadership and commitment to our customer’s mission, coupled with his ability to assemble world-class, diverse organizations, is a testament to his dedication to excellence.”
Gioconda came to Bechtel after a 31-year career with the Air Force, retiring as a brigadier general. One of his key accomplishments during his military career was assisting with the 2000 stand-up of the newly created NNSA, the civilian agency charged with ensuring the safety, security, and effectiveness of the U.S. nuclear deterrent. He managed Bechtel’s transitions to new contractor organizations for Los Alamos National Laboratory in 2006 and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory a year later. In 2010, he was selected as deputy director of LLNL and oversaw key institutional priorities, including ensuring safe and successful Lab operations, management of vital infrastructure, and promoting business and operational efficiencies.
“He has demonstrated the highest standard of commitment to public service throughout his career and significantly advanced the missions of NNSA,” said Gordon-Hagerty.
Gioconda continues to support the NNSA and the DOE through his role as nuclear security operations manager for Bechtel’s service to government customers.
Bechtel Principal Vice President Tom Gioconda receives the Administrator’s Gold Medal from Lisa Gordon-Hagerty, undersecretary of the U.S. Department of Energy and administrator of National Nuclear Security Administration.
