WASHINGTON, DC – Secretary of Energy Spencer Abraham administered the oath of office to Jerry Paul this week to be the principal deputy administrator of the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA). 

Paul will serve as NNSA’s chief operating office and help NNSA Administrator Linton F. Brooks direct the nuclear weapons complex. His duties will include an emphasis on managing the offices and officials at NNSA’s sites, including Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Los Alamos National Laboratory, and Sandia National Laboratories.

Paul is an attorney and holds degrees in both marine and nuclear engineering. He served a pair of two-year terms in the Florida State House of Representatives.

"I am pleased Jerry has agreed to serve as principal deputy administrator of NNSA,” said Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham. “His expertise in nuclear, legislative and legal issues will prove to greatly contribute to NNSA and its mission."

Paul holds a law degree from Stetson University, a degree in marine engineering from the Merchant Marine Institute in Castine, Mass., and a post-baccalaureate degree in nuclear engineering from the University of Florida. He served in the Florida Legislature since 2000. Last session, he served as chairman of both the House subcommittees on Environmental Regulation and Environmental Appropriations.

Established by Congress in 2000, NNSA is a semi-autonomous agency within the U.S. Department of Energy responsible for enhancing national security through the military application of nuclear energy. NNSA maintains and enhances the safety, security, reliability and performance of the U.S. nuclear weapons stockpile without underground nuclear testing; works to reduce global danger from weapons of mass destruction; provides the U.S. Navy with safe and effective nuclear propulsion; and responds to nuclear and radiological emergencies in the U.S. and abroad.

Media contacts:
Jeanne Lopatto, 202/586-4940
Bryan Wilkes (NNSA), 202/586-7371