Mary Young Takes the Helm of UMTRCA Title II Portfolio

Mary Young has always been driven by a willingness to embrace new opportunities. That mindset has guided her from a career rooted in biology to becoming the newest Uranium Mill Tailings Radiation Control Act (UMTRCA) Title II program manager at the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Legacy Management (LM), a role she officially assumed in July. 

In her new position, Young will oversee programmatic responsibilities for all current and future Title II transition sites, ensuring they protect human health and the environment while supporting LM’s long-term stewardship mission. 

Young’s journey with the organization began in 2017 when she joined the Defense-Related Uranium Mines (DRUM) program as an ecologist after earning her biology degree from Colorado Mesa University. Originally from White House, Tennessee, she moved to Colorado in 2011 and spent several years managing an animal hospital while completing her education.  

Her passion for science and the outdoors eventually led her to DOE, where she quickly discovered a mission she connected with. 

“I kind of fell in love with DOE because of its mission,” Young said. “I do believe in our mission. One of our core mission areas is protection of human health and the environment.” 

Since joining the organization, Young has consistently sought opportunities to grow. She served as an ecologist before being promoted to team lead, transitioned to the federal workforce in 2020 as a DRUM project manager, and became a site manager in 2023. Along the way, she developed a reputation for collaboration, problem solving, and a willingness to take on new challenges. 

According to UMTRCA Team Lead Paul Kerl, those qualities made Young a natural choice for her new leadership role. Her impact has also been recognized previously, earning her LM’s Employee of the Year honor in 2025 — another reflection of the dedication and leadership she consistently brings to the organization. 

“Mary has continuously demonstrated the highest levels of commitment, dedication, and support not only to the mission, but also to her fellow teammates,” Kerl said. “She routinely maximizes her value to the organization by supporting work that transcends her normal duties and has consistently demonstrated the ability to take on more responsibility and lead others.” 

As UMTRCA Title II program manager, Young will mentor site management teams, support budget development, identify opportunities to reduce risk, compile and analyze programmatic information, and oversee long-term stewardship activities across the Title II portfolio. She will collaborate closely with UMTRCA leadership, support partners, site managers, regulatory agencies, states, and Tribal nations to support current and future Title II transition sites. 

“I’m excited to take on a new role and new responsibilities,” Young said. “I get to have different counterparts, build new relationships, and have a little more influence over the program. I always ask, ‘Why are we doing this?’ If we need to do it, that’s fine — but let’s ask the question.” 

Young is looking forward helping others succeed. She believes effective leadership comes from teaching people how to solve problems rather than simply providing answers. 

“I really like teaching people how to do things,” she said. “Instead of just giving them the answer, I try to show them where to find it. I enjoy helping people learn and become more confident.” 

That passion for mentorship, paired with her curiosity and commitment to continuous improvement, has shaped her career from the beginning. Looking back, she credits supportive mentors and a willingness to step outside her comfort zone for helping her grow professionally. 

For those just beginning their own careers, her advice is simple: “Don’t say no to growth and enriching opportunities. You never know what may actually be a good fit for you or when you’ll need to draw from those experiences.” 

Young’s promotion reflects both her dedication to LM’s mission and the organization’s commitment to developing strong leaders from within. As she begins this new chapter, she will play an important role in strengthening the UMTRCA program while continuing to foster collaboration, innovation, and stewardship across LM.