Biography

James J. McConnell
Deputy Associate Administrator for Infrastructure and Operations
National Nuclear Security Administration

Mr. McConnell is the Deputy Associate Administrator for Infrastructure and Operations. He is responsible for operations, infrastructure, capital planning, environmental programs and packaging and transportation for the NNSA National Security Enterprise as well as management and oversight of NNSA's seven field offices. In addition, Mr. McConnell is the NNSA Cognizant Secretarial Officer responsible for operational safety throughout NNSA.

Prior to his current position, Mr. McConnell held several positions within NNSA's Office of Defense Programs including Director of the Office of Safety, Assistant Deputy Administrator for Nuclear Safety and Operations, and Assistant Deputy Administrator for Nuclear Safety, Nuclear Operations, and Governance Reform.

Mr. McConnell was the first Chief of Defense Nuclear Safety for NNSA. In that position, he established the office and functions of the CDNS. 

Prior to joining NNSA, Mr. McConnell held several senior staff positions at the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board (DNFSB) including Deputy Technical Director, Group Leader for the Nuclear Weapons Program, and Site Representative at the Pantex Plant. 

A former U.S. Navy submarine officer, he holds a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from the U.S. Naval Academy and engineering masters' degrees from the Catholic University of America and George Washington University.

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