Long-time community leader Lori Souza and University of California National Laboratories (UCNL) management executive June Yu have joined the board of directors of the Livermore Lab Foundation (LLF), effective January 2024.  The Foundation, a 501c3 nonprofit, is dedicated to supporting science and research initiatives and STEM education at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, serving as a key philanthropic partner for public and private investments, grants and gifts.

Souza, a resident of Livermore, spent close to 40 years at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), most recently as Associate Deputy Director of Operations. Her broad lab experience includes leading the development of several LLNL Leadership Development Programs and managing the lab’s award-winning post-doctoral program.  During her tenure at LLNL and continuing into retirement, Souza has served as a strong advocate for education and career advancement. She currently serves as the immediate past chair of the board of directors for the Tri-Valley Conservancy and has fulfilled the role of board chair for the Las Positas College Foundation. She also serves on the East County Zoning Adjustments Board, appointed by the Alameda County Board of Supervisors. She holds a Bachelor of Science (BS) in human relations and organizational behavior from the University of San Francisco and a Masters in business administration (MBA) and management from Golden Gate University.

“I’m extremely passionate about science and technology, especially as the issues and opportunities for our nation become increasingly more complex,” noted Souza. “Joining the Foundation’s board is a bit like coming home for me, providing me with an opportunity to pay it forward and to champion the Foundation’s commitment to the Lab. LLF’s role in scientific literacy, in supporting the Lab’s research initiatives as well as in opening the door for the next generation of STEM leaders is impressive.  I believe we can all play a part in helping our society understand the road ahead.”

Yu currently serves as the Associate Vice President and the Interim Vice President for UC National Laboratories. In this role, Yu reports directly to the UC President and has responsibility for governance and contract administration of Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) and for representation of the University in the management of the Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) that operate Los Alamos and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratories. UCNL is responsible for ensuring sustained excellence and integrity in the work and performance of the three UC-affiliated National Laboratories. Yu also recently led efforts to renovate and revitalize the Hertz Hall complex, just off Greenville Avenue at LLNL’s East Gate – transforming the space into the University of California Livermore Collaboration Center (UCLCC).

A resident of Livermore, Yu previously served as UCNL’s Executive Director for National Laboratory Programs, executing activities and responsibilities related to science, technology, engineering, and mission excellence at the three UC-affiliated Labs. She joined UC in 2014, after a distinguished career at LLNL, leading several significant applied research initiatives addressing national security needs. She holds a doctorate in optical sciences from the University of Arizona.

“I look forward to championing the Foundation’s initiatives as LLNL continues its mission and propels ahead to make the ‘impossible’ possible,” said Yu. LLF plays a key role in this new age of science philanthropy – one that we need.  By supporting LLNL’s exceptional people, science, research and technology initiatives, the Foundation plays a distinctive role with impact in areas including health, climate, energy, STEM workforce, and education.”

“We are honored and excited to have Lori and June as new members of our board,” said Dona Crawford, LLF Board Chair.  “Both are dedicated to the fundamental principles so critical to success for the Lab and the Foundation.  Their knowledge of the Laboratory, exceptional leadership and insights will be invaluable as we enter our eighth year of philanthropic dedication for science, research and student support at LLNL.”

Founded in 2016, the Livermore Lab Foundation is a 501c3 philanthropic organization dedicated to advancing fundamental science and research initiatives, STEM education initiatives and student fellowships at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. 

LLF’s top research initiatives in 2024 include applying the Lab’s computational modeling capabilities and machine learning to better understand and treat neurodegenerative diseases; advancing climate science and resiliency to address the nation’s commitment to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 and in supporting fusion energy innovation and research following LLNL’s groundbreaking achievement of ignition in 2022.