PNNL

As director of the Operational Systems & Technology (OST) Division in the National Security Directorate, Keith Freier is responsible for developing robust multi-discipline capabilities focused on technology systems integration and policy-informed engineered solutions to address critical national security mission needs in the field. Under his leadership, Keith provides oversight to nearly 400 staff representing a variety of science, engineering, policy, project management, and operational disciplines.

The OST Division specializes in providing operational science and technology solutions through the integration of technology, policy, and field operations to deliver mission-critical solutions to complex global security challenges using a systems approach. Division capabilities include expertise in technology development and integration, scalable engineering, operational sustainment and resilience, legal and policy analysis, testing and evaluation of complex systems, critical infrastructure and asset security, capacity building, and disciplined project management, with demonstrated success in over 100 countries worldwide.

In addition to his division director role, Keith serves as the founder, senior advisor, and lead instructor for PNNL’s Project Manager Development Program (PMDP), a two-year leadership and staff development program designed to develop the next generation of successful project managers at the Laboratory.

Keith has been with PNNL since 1992 and has served in a variety of leadership roles and capacities including acting chief operating officer for the National Security Directorate, director of the Global Security Implementation Project Management Office (PMO), interim NNSA sector manager, and technical group manager. Additionally, he has managed a variety of large projects and programs including the NNSA Global Threat Reduction Initiative (GTRI), Atmospheric Radiation Measurement Aerial Observation Capability (Air-ARM) Project, Tank Waste Remediation System (TWRS) Program, construction of the Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory (EMSL), the Navy Napalm Removal Project, International Nuclear Security Program (INSP), and the Material Protection, Control, and Accountability (MPC&A) Program. Before joining PNNL, Keith worked for a worldwide engineering and construction firm involved in environmental restoration and the construction of industrial and nuclear facilities.