Women’s History Month Spotlight: Laurie McKinley, Defense Nuclear Security

How do you support NNSA? 

I conduct safeguards and security surveys on Headquarters non-Management & Operating (M&O) contractor possessing facilities. Each non-M&O possessing contractor is responsible for protecting security assets in support of National Nuclear Security Administration. Additionally, I support the NNSA Headquarters Security Office by assisting NNSA employees with any security questions. There are multiple security topics NNSA is responsible for as a tenant in the Department of Energy building.

What is your personal background, and how has that shaped you and your approach to your career?

I completed high school and worked for the banking industry and the Montgomery County Circuit Court before my employment with the Department of Energy as a contractor in September 1985. I have supported various offices throughout DOE and recently transitioned over to NNSA in December 2019 to support the HSO office and to lead the NNSA Headquarters Survey Program. In September 2021, I became a federal employee, continuing in my current position and becoming the survey team Program Manager.

My approach to my career has been to find the job you love, continue learning, work as a team, and be the best in my position.

What is the best part about your job?

The best part about my job is the team. I’ve been privileged to work with NNSA’s Office of Defense Nuclear Security. I have worked with some of these individuals for years and really appreciate the support I receive in my current position. Their support has taught me so much about NNSA as we continue to work together as a team to get the task done and have become friends while doing it.

Tell us something interesting about yourself. 

I have a beautiful 5-year-old granddaughter who is the sweetest thing. Of course, I am partial. Her name is Lucy, and I am her Lulu. She and I enjoy spending time together on our iPads, playing with Play-Doh, Barbies, watching “Masha and the Bear,” and doing crafts. The one thing she will not let me do is put her hair up in a ponytail. When I ask her, “please?” She says “No.” I am fortunate enough to spend every weekend with my granddaughter. I hope when she grows up, I have been a positive influence in her life with her future goals and decisions.

Who is someone that inspires you and why?

The person who inspired me the most is my dad. He was the oldest of six children and quit school in the 8th grade to help take care of his mother and his siblings. He never went back to school but found something he enjoyed even more, working on a farm.

He worked on a farm milking cows seven days a week for 14 hours a day. He never took a day off until later in life. When he turned 65, he cut down from 7 days to 5 days a week. He lived life to its fullest and was the happiest man I know when he was working. Unfortunately, my dad’s health did not allow him to continue working past the age of 78. He had to retire permanently and just enjoy life.

At the age of 14, I started working summers at Lewis Orchards. To this day, I give my dad credit for the work ethic he instilled in me by working every day for what you want in life. He also taught me to get up in the morning, work your hardest each day, and not spend a lot of time commuting to a job. If you do not like the job, then get another one was his motto.