Lewis "Lew" Monroe III

Lewis “Lew” Monroe III is NNSA’s Associate Administrator and Chief for the Office of Defense Nuclear Security, a position he has held since June 2023. He is responsible for the development and implementation of NNSA’s security programs, including the control, protection, accounting of materials, and cybersecurity for all NNSA facilities. He is a member of the Federal Senior Executive Service.

Prior to his current assignment, he was NNSA’s Director for the Office of Human Resources. In this capacity, he was responsible for executive leadership and oversight of the strategic partnerships with leaders across NNSA and DOE. He also ensured human resource policies and practices, workforce planning strategies, and fostered sound human resources management practices and accountability systems aligned with merit system principles. Prior to this, he served as the Deputy Associate Administrator for Defense Nuclear Security and was responsible for executive leadership in the vital areas of organizational transformation, strategic direction for security integration and standardization, nuclear security requirements, and implementing guidance affecting the nuclear security enterprise.

Mr. Monroe is a veteran of the United States Air Force, serving 30 years in nuclear security and as a Command Chief Master Sergeant. Mr. Monroe holds a degree in Criminal Justice from Saint Leo University and a Master of Science Degree in Psychology from Capella University. His executive development experiences include attendance and/or participation in the following organizations and educational programs: Center for Creative Leadership, La Jolla, CA, Kenan-Flagler Business School at UNC, Chapel Hill, Movers and Shakespeares, Aspen Institute, Gettysburg Leadership Experience, Lean Six Sigma for USAF Smart Operations, University of Tennessee, Enlisted Keystone, Joint Forces Command, Norfolk, VA, Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Senior Executive Service Orientation Seminar, DOE Nuclear Executive Leadership Training (NELT), OPM Strategic Foresight Planning for Executive Leaders, USAF Institute of Technology School of Strategic Force Studies, and Harvard University Kennedy School of Government.

A native of Las Vegas, Nevada, he and his wife Nickey have three adult daughters and four grandchildren. Mr. Monroe is a member of the Board of Directors for the American Armed Forces Mutual Aid Association and the Board of Directors for the HireGround, a non-profit organization. His professional affiliations include the Air Force Security Forces Association, Air Force Sergeants Association, Air Force Association, and the American Society for Industrial Security.