Jim McConnell is the Chief of Defense Nuclear Safety for the National Nuclear Security Agency. Mr. McConnell is responsible for the development and implementation of NNSA-wide safety programs. His role is to increase corporate focus on nuclear safety and to coordinate safety issues at the NNSA site offices and headquarters. He reports directly to the NNSA administrator and advises NNSA on its interactions with the DOE, DNFSB, and other federal, state, and local agencies on matters relating to nuclear safety. Prior to this position Mr. McConnell served as a naval officer in submarines, a naval intelligence officer, and as a member of the staff of the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board where he held positions including Pantex Plant Site Representative, Group Leader for Nuclear Weapon Programs, and Deputy Technical Director. Mr. McConnell received his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the U.S. Naval Academy and has earned Masters degrees in Engineering from the Catholic University of America and the George Washington University.