A MESSAGE TO EMPLOYEES FROM BRET KNAPP
March 14, 2014
LLNL employees
It is important for me to send this message to my friends and colleagues at the Laboratory. In the last few days, I have been diagnosed with diffuse large B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma. While I remain optimistic about a full recovery, I have made the decision to withdraw my application for the LLNL director position. It is disappointing for me to do so, but it was the decision made with my family after evaluating my medical situation. The search for a permanent Laboratory director is continuing as originally scheduled, and I expect this to come to a successful conclusion shortly.
I am hopeful about my journey over the coming months. As I have said many times since I took the acting director position last November, I am extremely confident and optimistic about the Laboratory's future.
I am inspired by the work you do and by your commitment to your collective future as you carry out the important work for the nation.
In the interim, I will continue as acting director and will assist in an effective transition to a new director. I will continue to rely on all of you and the LLNL senior leadership team to assure that the work of the Laboratory moves forward effectively and efficiently.
Bret
March 14, 2014
LLNL employees
It is important for me to send this message to my friends and colleagues at the Laboratory. In the last few days, I have been diagnosed with diffuse large B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma. While I remain optimistic about a full recovery, I have made the decision to withdraw my application for the LLNL director position. It is disappointing for me to do so, but it was the decision made with my family after evaluating my medical situation. The search for a permanent Laboratory director is continuing as originally scheduled, and I expect this to come to a successful conclusion shortly.
I am hopeful about my journey over the coming months. As I have said many times since I took the acting director position last November, I am extremely confident and optimistic about the Laboratory's future.
I am inspired by the work you do and by your commitment to your collective future as you carry out the important work for the nation.
In the interim, I will continue as acting director and will assist in an effective transition to a new director. I will continue to rely on all of you and the LLNL senior leadership team to assure that the work of the Laboratory moves forward effectively and efficiently.
Bret
Comments
That said, I know he wasn't the top candidate. UC is looking to make a strong statement in their selection. If it's an insider it will be Goodwin, if an outsider most likely a surprise (woman or pure scientist or both).
Cherry Murray
It can't help but remember the few nasty comments on this blog about Bret from some LANL and LLNL people. Some people have no shame; utterly pathetic!
to 10:53,
and why wouldn't she want the job? Because you have some biases towards the DOE Labs?
There was an interesting show on the radio today. The Stanford professor being interviewed said that the best leaders are usually those that focus on eliminating the bad more than they do espousing the good. He was speaking primarily about technology companies but it equally would have applied to the Laboratory. There is plenty of bad here.
I hope the next director focuses on fixing the Lab's significant problems rather than promoting sound-bite visions that are never fulfilled. Be pragmatic. The good will take care of itself if the bad is gone. The people who do real work and bring funds into the Laboratory will have the next director's back if the director has their back.
What is the next director going to do to help my work as a PI who brings funds into the Laboratory? I guarantee him/her that more progress reports and other petty but unlimited bureaucratic burdens are not the answer. Cut the management crap.
I hope Bret Knapp has a successful recovery.
March 16, 2014 at 5:54 PM
Absolutely nothing. The money you bring in is a pittance in the overall scheme of things. No one in management cares about you or your piddling program. Your arrogance and self-centeredness alone is enough to fire your ass.
Of course, a cure is always possible at some future date. It's always sad to hear that someone has been diagnosed with cancer.
But this is not the time for unkind words. I wish him all the best and will say a prayer.
I wish a quick and successful recovery for him.
Robert Alton Harris 1992
POS
Bob Dylan
"From the fool’s gold mouthpiece the hollow horn
Plays wasted words, proves to warn
That he not busy being born is busy dying.
- It's Alright, Ma (I'm Only Bleeding) (1965)
Goodwin
Moses
Younger
Juzaitis
None of the above
March 19, 2014 at 7:46 AM
That only works if you are strong enough to defend yourself when they come for you and no one else gets involved. We aren't.
March 16, 2014 at 7:08 AM
Join you in wishing him well, but he must have known who was going to get the nod from the selection committee before he wrote his note.
Not the worst cancer in the world but not the easiest one to survive, either. Those who get it at a younger age (say, in their early 40s) usually do much better at the survival game. Anyone know how old Knapp is?
Too much Information!
March 23, 2014 at 8:52 PM
Why? Because it took away from you an opportunity to engage in endless negative speculation and typical conspiracy theorizing?
Good luck Bret even though we did bump heads when you were a mechanical engineer in weapons at LLNL. Just shows how short life is and how we gave to much to the mission instead of taking care of what was really important in life. Take the next five or so years and do all the things you should have done in the first sixty and if there is someone who needs to hear some kind words before you depart, now is the time to tell them.