Y-12er spotlight: Leslie M., Y-12 master site planner
Leslie M. is set to take on her newest challenge at Y‑12. Photo by Brian Holt.
The Y‑12er spotlight shines on one of our own. It takes all Y‑12 employees to make the mission happen successfully and safely. All views and opinions are the employee’s own and do not necessarily reflect those of CNS.
Opportunity is found throughout the Y‑12 site. It’s something that Leslie M. has seen since she was hired in 2007 as an administrative assistant for what was then Business Development.
When she got the Y‑12 job offer, Leslie was working on her master’s degree in curriculum and instruction, coaching girls’ basketball (after playing at both Roane State Community
College in Harriman and Brevard College in North Carolina), and getting ready to begin student teaching. “I had wanted to get on at Y‑12 for a while, and I knew I could continue coaching basketball even if I didn’t teach, so I accepted the offer.” Since then, she has made an impact on several organizations throughout the site.
“I’ve been a program manager for work we did with the Department of Homeland Security, was the supervisor for shipping and the Production tool cribs, served as the conduct of operations representative for Fabrication, and was the Production security liaison for many years,” she said. “Each experience has reinforced just how crucial we are to national security. I have a greater appreciation for each part of our mission.”
As her roles at Y‑12 grew, she added to her education and completed the industrial engineering master’s degree program through CNS and the University of Tennessee. Her most recent role was Y‑12 Production Integration manager where her teaching/advising role helped her create an onboarding program for chemical operators. Now, she’s beginning a new phase as the Y‑12 master site planner, replacing Jane N. who has retired.
“This role offers a great opportunity,” she said. “As the site continues to grow, the master site plan has to support all needs — from infrastructure to parking. It’s a huge endeavor and an exciting time.” Soon, Leslie and her team will begin work on the FY 2026 Master Site Plan; the plan is updated every 2 years.
“We have to have a plan in place to ensure all aspects of our mission are accomplished. It is important to have a plan, and not one that only looks at now and 5 years out but also looks at 5 years and beyond. Those plans will inevitably change and shift, but at least there is a blueprint for future Y‑12ers to consider,” she said.
At a celebration for Jane, Leslie shared, “I have big feet, but in no way can I fill Jane’s role! I hope to develop the knowledge base she has of the Nuclear Security Enterprise.”
How has working for CNS changed or reinforced your thoughts on our mission (nuclear deterrence, managing the stockpile, etc.)?
I had very little knowledge about the Y‑12 mission before I started working here. With each phase of my career, I have grown a deeper understanding and appreciation for each facet of our mission. We have a great responsibility to our nation, and that is a humbling feeling.
What is your favorite aspect about your work environment?
My favorite aspect about my work environment is 100% the people. I have met so many wonderful and helpful people in 17 years. The one thing that stands out is how folks really rally behind each other in times of need. I saw the blessing of my work family during a family health scare earlier in my career. (See Leslie’s answer to who has inspired her.)
What work advice would you offer someone who is new to Y‑12?
Ask questions, never doubt yourself, and look for opportunities to advance your skill set!
What advice would you offer a newer employee about the importance of solving problems and asking questions?
Working at Y‑12 has its challenges, but it also has its rewards. There have been many days in my career that I have literally been putting a jig‑saw puzzle together [when responding to work assignments] only to get to the end and discover I am missing my last piece. In those moments, it is important to have your network — coworkers who you can reach out to for support, bounce questions off of each other, and depend on to give you constructive feedback. Without teamwork, you will be lost trying to find that last puzzle piece.
Who in your life has inspired you the most and why?
Over the past 16 years, this question has been easier to answer. It is my 16‑year‑old son. He was born with refractory epilepsy, which ultimately led to him having a radical brain surgery, an anatomical right hemispherectomy (removal of the right hemisphere, leaving only the left), at Cleveland Clinic in Ohio when he was 11 months old. This surgery resulted in him having cerebral palsy on the left side and loss of peripheral vision.
On a positive note, this surgery was a success, and my son has been seizure‑free for 16 years in May! He inspires me to be a better version of myself. He has never once said that his disabilities were an excuse. He is the most driven, determined, caring teenager, who is wise beyond his years! When my son sets his mind to something, he moves mountains to accomplish that goal. Watching him and seeing what all he has accomplished — I couldn’t be prouder.
In addition to my son, my daughter, who will soon be 19, has played an instrumental role in her brother’s life. She has been such a huge help and support with and for him. She does a great job of keeping me grounded too! Being their mom has honestly been the most rewarding job that I have and will ever have!