Introducing Johney Green: A Visionary Leader Committed to Growth and Strategic Impact
“My connection to this region and my belief in SRNL’s potential to lead in areas critical to national security and energy resilience make this opportunity deeply meaningful.” – Johney Green
SRNL Laboratory Director, Johney Green
Exciting changes are on the horizon at Savannah River National Laboratory with new Laboratory Director, Johney Green. A lifelong learner, champion of innovation and strategic leader, Johney is passionate about putting SRNL on the national map for its impactful work in supporting the nation. With deep roots in the Southeast, he brings decades of experience, a fresh vision and a personal commitment to driving meaningful change.
Johney has spent nearly 30 years in laboratory leadership roles across the country. He dedicated 21 years to Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) in Tennessee before bringing his expertise to National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) in Colorado where he was in leadership for eight years.
Johney’s influence extends beyond laboratory leadership. He currently serves on the Department of Defense Science Board, the longest serving advisory board in the Office of the Secretary of Defense and the leading body in providing science and technology solutions to support Department of Defense missions and operations. Serving in this role gave him greater insight into SRNL’s mission and important contributions in national security and environmental stewardship.
Johney’s passion for learning and leadership is deeply personal. He credits his late mother — a dedicated educator — as his greatest inspiration. Though he only had her in his life for 22 years before she succumbed to breast cancer, her influence instilled curiosity and a commitment to education in him at an early age. Her legacy continues to fuel his drive to uplift others, making him not just a leader, but a mentor who is passionate about expanding knowledge.
Though he is excited to lead SRNL into a new era, Johney’s attraction to SRNL runs deeper than having a chance to be laboratory director. “My connection to this region and my belief in SRNL’s potential to lead in areas critical to national security and energy resilience make this opportunity deeply meaningful,” said Johney. He grew up in Memphis, Tennessee and Baton Rouge, Louisiana and he’s a proud graduate of Georgia Tech, one of SRNL’s university partners. His return to the Southeast is a homecoming for him and his wife, and he is eager to leverage his experience to drive innovation in a region he knows and loves.
Quoting words by Outkast’s André 3000 while addressing SRNL staff at his first all-hands meeting, Johney proudly stated, “The South’s got something to say,” reinforcing his belief that this region is poised for national recognition in cutting-edge solutions. Johney’s arrival at SRNL is timely with the development of the Advanced Manufacturing Collaborative, which he calls a “strategic asset for SRNL” to provide a foundation to advance cutting-edge technologies to support economic development in the region.
Johney’s approach to leading SRNL into the next phase of growth and strategic impact begin with a focus on developing SRNL’s people, partnerships and programs through six strategic directions:
- Expanding our nuclear deterrence and nuclear nonproliferation missions while accelerating our environmental clean-up mission
- Fostering a culture of scientific innovation and empowerment, integrated with operational principles
- Maximizing the impact of the Advanced Manufacturing Collaborative Facility
- Driving innovation in energy technologies
- Expanding our role in emerging technologies for defense mission priorities
- Strengthening partnerships with national labs, academia, industry and community stakeholders
Johney Green visited Washington, DC recently to meet with other national laboratory directors. (photo: SRNL)
Johney’s vision is clear: to elevate the laboratory’s work to national prominence while staying true to its core mission. “I am optimistic and committed to SRNL’s mission and the well-being of its workforce and look forward to working together to deliver innovative solutions for the nation,” said Johney. His leadership combines strategic expertise with an authentic, people-first approach, ensuring that innovation and impact go hand in hand.