Ashley Bahney selected as the senior director for the Office of Government and External Affairs

Ashley Bahney has been selected as Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory’s (LLNL) senior director for the Office of Government and External Affairs (OGEA), effective Sept. 2, 2025. She succeeds LLNL’s former senior director for OGEA, Steve Bohlen.

As senior director, Bahney will guide OGEA’s various operations and shape strategies that connect the Laboratory with policymakers, partners and the local community. She will work closely with the Laboratory director and senior leaders to advance LLNL’s engagement with Congress, the State of California, federal agencies and regional partners such as the Livermore Lab Foundation.

OGEA plays a vital role in advancing LLNL’s mission by building and sustaining relationships across levels of government and with key external partners, ensuring the Laboratory’s expertise and contributions are well-understood and that LLNL remains a trusted partner in addressing national priorities, along with facilitating broader engagement across California.

“Ashley is a collaborative leader with a deep understanding of LLNL and government,” says Rosaline Cohen Benno, deputy director for OGEA. “I’m just thrilled that Ashley has agreed to share her talents and expertise with OGEA.”

Most recently, Bahney served as deputy Laboratory chief of staff, where she has supported strategic initiative development and strengthened engagement across the Department of Energy and National Nuclear Security Administration, as well as other government agencies. She brings a breadth of experience across the federal government, including the Department of State and Department of Defense, as well as leadership roles within LLNL supporting Strategic Deterrence, Global Security and the Director’s Office to her new position advancing OGEA’s mission.

“Ashley has excelled in leadership positions across the Laboratory and in federal service, and she understands how to build strong connections with policymakers, agencies and our community. Her leadership will be invaluable as LLNL continues to expand its impact and engagement through strategic partnerships,” says LLNL Chief of Staff Sheryl Hingorani.

Bahney holds an M.A. in international affairs from the University of California, San Diego, a B.A. in international relations from the University of California, Davis, and a certificate in national security affairs from Texas A&M University.