Meghann Hurt Promoted to Groundwater Program Manager

The Office of Legacy Management (LM) recently promoted Site Manager Meghann Hurt to manager of the Groundwater program. Hurt has been with LM since June of 2021, after working as a subcontractor for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).

"One of my favorite things about being at LM and working here is getting to explore new ideas and being able to grow with LM as it changes and evolves," Hurt said after the news of her promotion. "I'm excited and nervous for this next adventure. I feel very honored and proud to have been selected to head this program."

After falling in love with geology at the University of California-Santa Cruz, Hurt spent some time doing environmental consulting before landing at DOE.

"I had never really thought about being involved in working for the government when I graduated college, but I had the amazing opportunity to work with DOE, and I really enjoyed it and eventually found my way to LM," Hurt said.

During her time at LM, Hurt has become the site manager for nine sites across multiple programs, including the Uranium Mill Tailings Radiation Control Act and Plowshare/Vela Uniform/Weapons Related. She will continue to manage these sites as she moves into her new role.

As a site manager, Hurt is responsible for long-term surveillance and maintenance management and regulatory and environmental compliance at each assigned LM site. She works closely with the LM Support Partner (LMSP) employees and technical experts to ensure successful collaboration with LM stakeholders. She is no stranger to making decisions regarding LM sites and dealing with some of the challenges related to groundwater.

"I think what's changed for me the most in this new role is now I'm not just hyperfocused on my own sites but also tasked with the responsibility of making sure I can assist with resource needs for other sites and all the important projects within the Groundwater program itself," Hurt said about her expanded role.

LM Supervisory Physical Scientist William Burns applauded Hurts' hard work, adding, "Meghann was thrust into the acting groundwater program manager role after an unexpected departure of her predecessor. She quickly excelled at the position and had a great vision of where it needs to go. After successfully piloting the program for almost a year, senior management rewarded her skillsets and tenacity by making the role permanent with a promotion. She took the advice often given by Dr. Melendez and 'drove it like she stole it.' "

Although the program itself is relatively new, LM and LMSP have always worked together to ensure LM continues its mission of protecting human health and the environment through its groundwater work.

"Our work hasn't changed. We are just fine tuning how to better coordinate and prioritize projects across programs and figuring out efficiencies when it comes to this program," Hurt said.

As for the future of the Groundwater program, Hurt said, "My goal is for everyone to understand that the LMSP Groundwater team is there to assist in site recommendations and that they are the subject matter experts when it comes to site work itself or resource allocation. I want everyone to feel comfortable relying on the Groundwater team for guidance and help with sites. With anything new, there is some trial and error, but I'm excited for the future ahead."