Mark Peters Named Idaho National Lab Director

IDAHO FALLS, ID--(Marketwired - August 20, 2015) - Ron Townsend, Chair of Battelle Energy Alliance's (BEA) Board of Managers, announced today that Mark Peters, Ph.D., will be the next director of Idaho National Laboratory (INL). Peters will be officially joining INL in his new role on Oct. 1.

"Mark's recognized leadership in all fields of energy research -- including energy storage, renewable energy, energy efficiency and nuclear energy -- and national security makes him an ideal choice as the next Lab Director of INL," said Townsend, who also serves as Battelle Executive Vice President of Global Laboratory Operations. "As the leading research institution for nuclear energy solutions, other clean energy options and critical infrastructure, INL will benefit from the strong leadership and passionate commitment that Mark has demonstrated throughout his career."

Peters' experience is strongly aligned with INL's programmatic portfolio. Prior to joining INL, Peters served as Argonne National Laboratory's Associate Laboratory Director for the lab's Energy and Global Security directorate, which includes Argonne's programs in energy research and national security. As a recognized expert in nuclear fuel cycle technologies and nuclear waste management, Peters is called upon frequently to provide expert testimony to Congress and to advise in formulation of policies for nuclear fuel cycles, nonproliferation and nuclear waste disposal. He is active in leadership positions with the American Nuclear Society (ANS) and was recently named an ANS Fellow, the highest honor bestowed by the Society.

"I've had the opportunity to work with Mark on globally significant nuclear energy matters and am pleased to welcome him to Idaho," said John Kotek, the U.S. Department of Energy's assistant secretary for Nuclear Energy. "I look forward to our continued collaboration when he is in his new role as director of INL."

Peters earned his doctorate in Geophysical Sciences from the University of Chicago and his bachelor's degree in Geology from Auburn University. He has also received extensive management and leadership education and training, including completion of the Strategic Laboratory Leadership Program at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. His full bio and a portrait photo are available online at https://www.inl.gov/mark-peters-bio.

Peters succeeds John Grossenbacher as INL laboratory director. Grossenbacher announced in November 2014 that FY2015 would be his last year as INL laboratory director. He led the BEA bid that was awarded the contract to manage and operate INL in February 2005. Under his leadership, INL transformed into a leading laboratory recognized nationally and internationally for its research programs and capabilities as well as the value of its applied research and development programs to sponsors across academia and industry.

"John's service as INL lab director has had a tremendous impact on the success and growth of the laboratory, and I join the energy community in thanking him for his strong leadership and vision," said Kotek.

About Battelle
Every day, the people of Battelle apply science and technology to solving what matters most. At major technology centers and national laboratories around the world, Battelle conducts research and development, designs and manufactures products, and delivers critical services for government and commercial customers. Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio since its founding in 1929, Battelle serves the national security, health and life sciences, and energy and environmental industries. For more information, visit www.battelle.org.

About Idaho National Laboratory
Idaho National Laboratory is part of the Department of Energy's complex of national laboratories. INL is the nation's leading center of nuclear energy research and development, performing work in each of DOE's strategic goal areas -- energy systems, science and innovation, nuclear safety and security. Battelle Energy Alliance manages INL's day-to-day operations. For more information, visit http://inl.gov.

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