Jud Virden — Strategic Adviser

Jud Virden joined NREL Sept. 1, 2025, as a strategic adviser to prepare for his Oct. 1, 2025, appointment as laboratory director.

In October, he will also assume the role of president of the Alliance for Sustainable Energy, which operates NREL for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).

Virden served as associate laboratory director for the Energy and Environment directorate at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. From 2011, he led approximately 1,700 scientists, engineers, and staff in support of DOE's applied energy priorities, including modernizing the nation's power grid; improving the reliability, resilience, security, and affordability of the energy system; and addressing complex issues in nuclear science and environmental management.

Virden joined Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in 1991. His career is marked by a strong record of forging public-private partnerships. He is eager to build on NREL's scientific excellence; drive meaningful, lasting transformation; and grow collaborations within DOE, industry, academia, and the national labs to accelerate energy innovation and impact.

Virden received his bachelor's degree and doctorate in chemical engineering from the University of Washington.