Jill Hruby

Jill Hruby was sworn in as the Under Secretary for Nuclear Security of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and Administrator of the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) on July 26, 2021. She was confirmed by the Senate on July 22, 2021.

Administrator Hruby led the NNSA in nuclear security missions by working with the Nuclear Security Enterprise to deliver modernized weapons on schedule; revitalize the nuclear production complex; bring cutting-edge science to sustain and fully understand our stockpile without testing; and develop advanced capabilities to enhance nuclear security, arms control, and Navy reactors.

With an extensive background in science and engineering spanning more than 40 years, Jill Hruby brings a wealth of national security experience to NNSA. Prior to her nomination as Administrator, Jill Hruby had a 34-year career at Sandia National Laboratories, retiring in 2017 as the Laboratories Director.

Since her retirement from Sandia, Jill Hruby served as a Distinguished Fellow and the inaugural Sam Nunn Distinguished Fellow at the Nuclear Threat Initiative from 2018-2021. In addition, she has been a member of the Defense Science Board, the National Nuclear Security Administration Defense Programs Advisory Committee, and the National Academy of Science Committee for International Security and Arms Control. She has served on a variety of technical advisory committees and non-profit organization boards. She has been a frequent participant in international dialogues; a spokesperson for women in engineering; and a mentor for emerging leaders.

Hruby earned her bachelor’s degree from Purdue University and her master’s degree from the University of California at Berkeley, both in mechanical engineering. In 2022 Hruby was awarded an honorary doctorate in engineering from Purdue and in 2023 was awarded an honorary doctorate of science from Michigan State University. She has authored numerous publications and reports, holds three patents, and received an R&D 100 Award. In 2016, she received the Suzanne Jenniches Upward Mobility Award from the Society of Women Engineers. In 2017, Business Insider named her the second most powerful female engineer. In 2022 she was elected to the National Academy of Engineering. Jill has received the Department of Energy Secretary’s Exceptional Service Award, the National Nuclear Security Administrator’s Distinguished Service Gold Award, and the Office of the Secretary of Defense Medal for Exceptional Public Service.