Office of Legacy Management Program Analyst reflects on LM’s growth over the past 10 years and looks forward to seeing how it evolves.
December 8, 2023
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As part of LM’s 20-year anniversary celebration, this is one in a series of profiles of current and former LM employees who address various aspects of the LM mission.
U.S. Department of Energy Office of Legacy Management Program Analyst Padraic Benson’s passion for history is what led him to a long and fruitful career within the federal government. Benson earned his bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Maryland, College Park.
“I always enjoyed history, and I really took an interest in environmental and Cold War era history during graduate school,” Benson said.
After earning his master’s degree in history from San Diego State University in California, Benson continued graduate studies in U.S. history at the University of California, Davis. He subsequently began his federal career working for three years with the National Park Service at the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site in Washington, D.C. Then in 2013, Benson joined LM.
“What Legacy Management does is in the name, and I thought it would be a great opportunity for me, and it really aligned with the things that already interested me.”
Benson started as an administrative assistant at the LM Operations Center in Westminster, Colorado, before serving in his current role as management and program analyst on the Education, History, Communications, and Outreach (ECHO) team. As an ECHO team member, he supports a variety of LM programs, including the Uranium Leasing Program, the Defense-Related Uranium Mines program, and the Formerly Utilized Sites Remedial Action Program. He also serves as the DOE principal representative for the Manhattan Project National Historical Park.
“Two of the things that I enjoy the most about my role are supporting my coworkers and engaging with the public,” Benson said. “I’ve also been fortunate to have been able to help in the development of the Atomic Legacy Cabin in Grand Junction, Colorado, and the new Weldon Spring Site Interpretive Center in St. Charles, Missouri. It’s great to see kids learning about STEM and history at our interpretive centers.”
The opening of new interpretive centers isn’t the only change Benson has seen during his ten years with LM.
“Since I started, LM has added about a dozen sites as well as new programs, like DRUM,” Benson said. “We’ve even formed the Education, Communication, History, and Outreach team, which has increased our engagement with the public and our stakeholders.” He added, “It’s really fascinating to see how quickly we’ve grown in just a few years. We have more sites that come with their own unique histories and their own unique stewardship responsibilities. There is something new to learn every day.”
Despite all the new sites and programs, Benson said one thing has always stayed the same.
“Ever since I came on board, LM has been a high performing organization. Everyone here is very dedicated to the mission and that mindset has never wavered,” Benson said. “I really enjoy working with a great group of people across LM and the LM Strategic Partner.”
Benson also expressed his appreciation to the diverse community members who have an interest in LM sites.
“What I love about working for LM is getting to meet people from all over the United States, from Alaska to Puerto Rico. I’ve also had the privilege of engaging with folks from other countries who are involved with long-term stewardship.”
Benson’s hard work and dedication has not gone unnoticed by those around him. LM Senior Public Affairs Specialist Kris Holmes, who works closely with Benson, expressed her admiration for her fellow colleague.
“As one of the longest-working members of LM’s communications team, Padraic is knowledgeable about virtually all areas of LM’s mission. He is a joy to work with, and he brings a thoughtful perspective to every conversation,” Holmes said. “He is completely dependable, and the quality of his work is always amazing.”
Benson has high hopes for the organization’s future. “LM has always been committed to continuous improvement,” he said. “As time passes and we get further and further from firsthand knowledge of the weapons production and cleanup eras, I look forward to seeing how we continue to effectively communicate the history of these sites for future generations to come.”