New Manager Assumes Role at Savannah River Site

AIKEN, S.C. - Michael D. Budney assumed the role of manager for the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Savannah River Site effective March 1.

The Department’s Office of Environmental Management (EM) named Budney as the new manager Feb. 12. He succeeds Jack Craig, who retired after 32 years of federal service including 29 years in leadership positions associated with DOE EM environmental cleanup activities.

Budney, a retired Captain from the U.S, Navy with 29 years of service, brings to the position 20 years of senior leadership experience while serving in the Navy, the departments of Defense and Energy and in the private sector.

“Mike is a highly respected leader with extensive experience that positions him to lead the Savannah River team,” said James Owendoff, EM Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary. “I am confident he will maintain the high standards of managing one of the most diverse and complex sites in DOE and continue the tremendous progress underway in Savannah River.”

As the manager for Savannah River, Budney will lead a workforce of about 11,000 government and contractor personnel, with an annual budget of approximately $2 billion, covering the vast 310-square mile site.

“I am privileged to be chosen to lead Savannah River Site at this important time when the site is achieving real progress in a number of areas, including building on its record of successfully emptying and closing underground waste tanks,” Budney said.

Budney, a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, served as an officer aboard four submarines and three ships. In his major command, he spent two years as commanding officer of the USS Emory S. Land, a U.S. Navy submarine tender and the lead ship of her class. In that post he commanded 1,200 sailors and directed computer and communications systems, electrical, electronic, mechanical, propulsion plant and nuclear maintenance on U.S. Navy submarines and surface ships operating throughout Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

He also served two and a half years as commanding officer of the USS Pennsylvania (SSBN 735B) an Ohio- class ballistic missile submarine, where he was responsible for all aspects of ship and nuclear propulsion plant operations. The vessel was awarded Battle Efficiency “E” for superior operational performance.

Budney’s final assignment was as Deputy Director of the Nuclear Command and Control System Support Staff, performing oversight duties of all aspects of the national nuclear command and control system for the Commander of U.S. Strategic Command.

Most recently, Budney was Director of the Office of Business Operations in the DOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. Among other responsibilities, he led EERE’s workforce planning, information technology and project management efforts and coordinated support service contract and acquisition activities.

Media Contact:
Amy Boyette
U.S. Department of Energy
Savannah River Site, Office of External Affairs
803-952-6120
Amy.Boyette@srs.gov