The University of California Board of Regents today approved the appointment of Dr. June Yu as the next vice president of UC National Laboratories (UCNL). An accomplished physicist and a seasoned University leader, Yu spent much of her career in various roles at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) and UCNL. She has been serving as interim vice president during the search for a permanent leader.
As the vice president of National Laboratories, Yu will be responsible for the governance and contract administration of Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL), and for representing the University of California in the management of limited liability companies that operate LLNL and Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL).
“I am so pleased that Dr. Yu is taking the helm at UCNL to manage the cutting-edge work happening across the University’s three affiliated national labs on behalf of our state and nation,” said UC President Michael V. Drake, M.D. “The University’s partnership with the federal government is critical to protecting national security and addressing emerging challenges in the energy, health and numerous other sectors. June brings deep knowledge, dedication, and more than 30 years of experience to this important endeavor.”
Prior to her appointment, Yu served as associate vice President and as executive director for National Laboratories Programs — both with UCNL. Before that, she held various roles over several decades at LLNL and in the private sector. She currently serves on the boards of the LANL Foundation, the LLNL Foundation, and the LBNL Contract Assurance Council.
Yu received her bachelor’s degree in physics from the California Polytechnic State University at San Luis Obispo and her master’s and doctoral degrees in optical sciences from the University of Arizona. She has been honored with numerous leadership awards from LLNL and the U.S. Department of Defense over her career.
“I am incredibly honored by this opportunity to serve the University of California and to partner with colleagues to advance the mission of our UC-affiliated national labs,” said Yu. “I look forward to continuing to contribute to impactful initiatives and partnerships between our world-class institutions that drive innovation and create lasting positive impact.”
Yu’s appointment comes after an extensive and competitive national search to replace Dr. Craig Leasure, who announced his retirement from the role last year after serving since 2019. The search committee for the vice president position was chaired by Kim Budil, director of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, and search committee members included UC Regent José M. Hernández, chair of the Regents National Laboratories Committee; Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory director Michael Witherell; Los Alamos National Laboratory director Thom Mason; and UC Davis professor of chemical engineering Robert Powell.
“Dr. Yu is a wonderful choice to lead the UC National Laboratories team into the future,” said Regent Hernández. “She has been an effective leader and advocate on behalf of the exceptional scientists and researchers at the labs, and I look forward to working closely together to support them and their work.”
Yu will assume her role immediately and receive an annual base salary of $456,500.