A new mentoring initiative at the Hanford Site is paving the way for future leaders to strengthen communication, build teamwork and prepare the workforce to carry out the Hanford Field Office’s long term cleanup mission. September 2, 2025
Office of Environmental Management
September 2, 2025
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A group of Hanford Tank Waste Operations & Closure middle managers and supervisors meet during off-work hours with company chief operating officer Phil Breidenbach, top center, to discuss leadership skills, set professional goals and share feedback on professional challenges.
RICHLAND, Wash. – A new mentoring initiative at the Hanford Site is paving the way for future leaders to strengthen communication, build teamwork and prepare the workforce to carry out the U. S. Department of Energy Office of Environmental Management Hanford Field Office’s (HFO) long term cleanup mission.
HFO contractor Hanford Tank Waste Operations & Closure (H2C) launched the program, called Mentoring Circles, this summer. The monthly listening sessions, held outside of work hours, are based on reading assignments from a popular leadership book and focus on applying lessons to work at Hanford.
“We’re in the business of eliminating environmental hazards, but we’re a company of humans, and we need to focus on developing the people who are doing this important work,” said Phil Breidenbach, H2C chief operating officer. “Building leadership capacity now ensures that we can safely and efficiently complete the Hanford cleanup mission in the future.”
Hanford Field Office Contracting Officer Nadine Johnson shares with fellow Mentoring Circle members the ways she discovered she can improve her communication skills.
Senior H2C leaders guide the small group discussion to help middle managers and supervisors build their skills, along with three HFO employees who joined the program. Participants say learning from senior leaders and peers is having a positive impact on the way they lead.
“I considered myself a good communicator, but I’m identifying ways I can improve by being more intentional with my time to prepare for meetings and presentations,” said Nadine Johnson, HFO contracting officer.
Laurie Hollick, Hanford Tank Waste Operations & Closure chief of staff, meets monthly with a group of middle managers and supervisors as part of the Mentoring Circles pilot program for the prime contractor at the Hanford Site.
“H2C’s Mentoring Circle is different than other mentorship programs I’ve been involved in,” said Mel Miller, H2C Core Procedures project manager. “The dynamic of the group is amazing, and it provides professional growth benefits for anyone, not just those who want to be a manager.”
The pilot program will run for one year, with additional Mentoring Circles expected to follow.
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