John S. Boulden, III serves as the Director of the Office of National Security Assessments within the Department of Energy's (DOE) Office of Enterprise Assessments (EA). In this role, he oversees independent evaluations of safeguards and security policies and programs across the Department, focusing on the protection of special nuclear material and classified and sensitive information. His work involves extensive use of performance testing to assess site safeguards and security defense capabilities.
Previously, Mr. Boulden was the Deputy Director for Security within the Office of Environment, Health, Safety, and Security (EHSS). Before his tenure at EHSS, he directed the Office of Cyber and Security Assessments, also within EA. There, he spearheaded an independent assessment program for safeguards and security, information security, and cybersecurity. This program was designed to evaluate the protection of special nuclear materials, classified matter, and controlled unclassified and sensitive information against unauthorized disclosure, diversion, and malicious insider threats.
Prior to his career at DOE, Mr. Boulden dedicated 32 years to the U.S. Navy. His distinguished service included tours on four nuclear-powered submarines, notably commanding the USS Los Angeles (SSN 668). He also held various shore assignments within the Naval Reactors Program, concluding his naval career as the Director of the Submarine Warfare Operations Research Division at the Office of Naval Intelligence from 2000 to 2004.
Mr. Boulden is a 1976 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, where he earned a degree in physics; additionally, he holds a master’s degree in nuclear engineering.