Note: The following is a copy of the message that B&W Y-12 President and General Manager Chuck Spencer sent to employees on Friday.

I wanted to be the first to tell you about these organizational changes, but given the speed of media you may have already heard them from other sources. If so, I apologize.

When I arrived at Y‑12 in August of 2012, the site had just experienced a significant security event and was at a very low point. However, we immediately set about to work together to rebuild security and to regain the confidence of our many stakeholders. To do that, we have gone through much change and worked tirelessly. What I am most proud of is how we immediately became more introspective. How we all began to question virtually every aspect of our business. Not just security, but operations, maintenance, our assurance system, development, engineering, etc. We did this not because we were performing poorly in these areas, but because that is what a good company does. It is willing to look at itself with a critical eye so that it can be the best at what it does. I am very proud of what you have accomplished in the year and a half you have allowed me to be a part of your team and am confident that you are well prepared for a great future. Given that, it is with mixed emotions that I need to inform you that I plan to return to my position as chief operating officer for B&W’s Technical Services Group. [Read more…]