John C. Browne

He became physics division leader in 1981, succeeding George A. Keyworth, who became President Ronald Reagan's science advisor.

During Browne's tenure, the Wen Ho Lee spy investigation by the FBI erupted onto the national scene, particularly after release of the Cox Report by the US House of Representatives in 1999.

He was also instrumental in creating support for the non-profit Los Alamos National Laboratory Foundation, founded in 1997 to enhance the vitality of northern New Mexico through investing in education, learning, and community development.

In January 2003, Browne resigned as laboratory director [3][4] during a controversy surrounding thefts of government property by several employees and accusations regarding the adequacy of administrative controls.

The controversy prompted Secretary of Energy Spencer Abraham to say: "... taken together, these problems have called into question the University of California's ability to run the Los Alamos National Laboratory."