NETL’s Jonathan White has been named the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Security Professional of the Year (Federal Employee) in recognition of his exemplary service essential to the continued safe and efficient protective mission of DOE and the Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management.

Per DOE, White has demonstrated a high degree of technical expertise and a continual quest for improvement. It was noted that White’s selection for the award “recognizes [his] dedication, superior technical knowledge, demonstrated results and commitment to excellence.”

As a security specialist, much of his work focuses on processing and validating credentials and identification information for the NETL workforce. White serves as a key point of contact for issuing Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) badges, also known as personal identity verification (PIV) cards. 

Other duties include speaking to staff about security awareness. “My message is: ‘If you see something, say something,’” White said. “It’s a principle embedded in our culture that empowers employees and contractors to report emergencies, suspicious items and actions, workplace violence or criminal activity to NETL security.”

According to White, NETL is a positive workplace that offers opportunities to build new skills and enhance existing ones. To achieve those goals, White takes part in various training seminars, including activities offered through the NETL Continuous Process Improvement program, which are designed to systematically approach problem-solving.

“Overall, I enjoy my job very much and doing my part to support NETL,” said White, who also serves as a board member for the Young Hearts day care at NETL-Morgantown.

NETL is a U.S. Department of Energy national laboratory that drives innovation to deliver solutions for a secure energy future. Through its expertise and research facilities, NETL is advancing technologies to unleash America’s affordable, reliable and secure domestic energy and natural resources.