One of the newest leaders at NETL is the Lab’s director, Marianne Walck, who officially began in February 2024.  

Walck earned a bachelor’s degree in geology/physics from Hope College and a master’s and doctorate in geophysics from California Institute of Technology. Her first experiences working with DOE were at Sandia National Laboratories (SNL). Over the course of 33 years there, she held many positions including vice president, California Energy Division and Energy Climate Programs; director for the Geoscience, Climate, and Consequence Effects Center; and director, Nuclear Energy and Global Security Technology Center.

She concluded her time at SNL as vice president for its California laboratory and its Energy and Climate Program. Following her time at SNL, Walck began working at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL), where she served as deputy laboratory director for science and technology and chief research officer.

In this role, she was responsible for executive leadership of research and development activities; the annual laboratory plan development and overall strategic planning; the laboratory directed research and development program; DOE Office of Science programs at INL; university relationships; research integrity; research equipment; and the research culture at the laboratory.

As NETL director, Walck manages the complete NETL complex, including delivery and execution of the Lab’s mission and national programs in carbon-based energy and program support to the DOE Offices of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy; Electricity; and Cybersecurity, Energy Security and Emergency Response. Walck leads NETL’s more than 1,300 employees and guides more than 1,000 R&D projects in 50 states with a total award value of $5 billion.

In addition to these responsibilities, Walck fosters strategic relationships with utility and academic institutions, state and local governments, and important carbon management stakeholders. She is a member of numerous societies and councils.

Marianne Walck