Thomas D'Agostino

Thomas D'Agostino is an American national security administrator and former naval officer who served as the Under Secretary of Energy for Nuclear Security and Administrator of the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA). Appointed by President George W. Bush and retained by President Barack Obama, he led the semi-autonomous agency within the United States Department of Energy responsible for the management and security of the nation's nuclear weapons complex, nonproliferation efforts, and naval nuclear propulsion. His tenure oversaw significant modernization initiatives for the United States nuclear arsenal and the implementation of major international agreements like the New START treaty.

Early life and education

Thomas D'Agostino was born in New York City and grew up in the state of New York. He received his commission and a Bachelor of Science degree from the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis in 1978. Following his initial naval service, which included assignments in the Pacific Fleet and Atlantic Fleet, he pursued graduate studies, earning a Master of Public Administration from the University of Oklahoma. His military education also included courses at the Naval Nuclear Power School and the Naval War College in Newport.

Career at the National Nuclear Security Administration

D'Agostino's career with the nuclear security enterprise began during his United States Navy service, which included significant roles in the Naval Reactors program and assignments at the Bettis Atomic Power Laboratory. He retired from the Navy at the rank of Captain in 2003 and joined the Department of Energy (DOE) as Deputy Administrator for Defense Programs at the National Nuclear Security Administration. He was subsequently appointed Principal Deputy Administrator in 2006. In August 2007, following the resignation of Linton Brooks, President George W. Bush nominated him as Under Secretary and NNSA Administrator; he was confirmed by the United States Senate. His leadership focused on revitalizing the Nuclear Weapons Complex, including the Chemistry and Metallurgy Research Replacement Project at Los Alamos National Laboratory and the Uranium Processing Facility at the Y-12 National Security Complex. He managed the NNSA's role in implementing the New START treaty with Russia and oversaw major nonproliferation programs like the Global Threat Reduction Initiative.

Post-government career

After concluding his service at the NNSA in January 2013, D'Agostino transitioned to the private sector. He joined the board of directors for Centrus Energy Corp., a company specializing in nuclear fuel and services. He also became a senior advisor and consultant, providing strategic counsel on nuclear security, energy, and complex program management to various corporations and institutions. He has served on advisory boards for national laboratories and contributed to studies for organizations like the Nuclear Threat Initiative and the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

Personal life

Thomas D'Agostino is married and maintains a residence in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. Details regarding his family are kept private. He is known to be an avid reader of military history.

Awards and honors

Throughout his career, D'Agostino has received numerous commendations. His military awards include the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal, and the Navy Commendation Medal. For his civilian service, he was awarded the Department of Energy Distinguished Service Medal and the Secretary of Energy Gold Award. He has also been recognized by the United States Strategic Command and the National Defense Industrial Association for his contributions to national security.

Category:1956 births Category:Living people Category:United States Department of Energy officials Category:National Nuclear Security Administration Category:United States Naval Academy alumni Category:United States Navy captains