LLNL Director Kim Budil named to Forbes 50 Over 50 List

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory Director Kim Budil has been named to the 2025 Forbes 50 Over 50 list, an annual list that highlights individuals “demonstrating impact at scale, fearless pivots and work that improves the lives of every person in the U.S., in one way or another.”

In its fifth year, the 50 Over 50 list is developed over a five-month research, due diligence and fact-checking process, then divided into four categories: Impact, Innovation, Investment and Lifestyle.

Budil is featured in the Innovation category, spotlighting her achievements in science and national security, as well as her trailblazing role as the first woman to lead LLNL in its more than 70-year history.

“Kimberly Budil took the reins of one of the nation’s premier science laboratories — one with a storied history of developing nuclear weapons — in 2021,” said Forbes. “Since then, she’s overseen the first lab demonstration of a fusion ignition and the lab’s installation of the world’s fastest supercomputer, El Capitan.”

"It’s an honor to be recognized alongside so many extraordinary women who are using their experience, energy and insight to shape the future," Budil said. "I am honored to lead LLNL, an incredible institution that uses cutting-edge science and technology to advance U.S. national security and economic competitiveness. This recognition reflects the excellence, innovative spirit, and dedication of the extraordinary people I have the privilege to represent.”

Budil is the 13th director of LLNL, where she leads a workforce of more than 8,700 employees and manages an annual operating budget of more than $3 billion. As director, she leads the development and implementation of the Laboratory’s scientific vision, goals and objectives, and engages with the senior leadership of the Department of Energy, National Nuclear Security Administration and other federal agencies, as well as senior leaders across government, academia and the private sector. She serves on several boards and participates in numerous professional and community outreach activities.

Budil holds a Ph.D. in engineering and applied science from the University of California, Davis, and a bachelor's degree in physics from the University of Illinois at Chicago.