Jordan and Randy D. pose outside Jack Case Center
Like father, like son. We’ve all probably said this at one time or another when describing a particular father-and-son relationship. You may have even said it about your own son or father.
That was not always the case for Randy D., a senior director within Mission Engineering, and his son, Jordan. Though they shared a bond, their professional lives took very different directions.
Randy is a lifelong engineer. His last 12 years have been spent at Y-12, where he leads the Development organization.
Jordan’s interests led him to a career in law enforcement. He was a uniformed officer working the streets of Orlando, Florida, and later a detective investigating serious crimes in the Sunshine State.
Jordan enjoyed the adrenaline rush of the job. His parents did not.
“His mom [Heidi] and I worried a lot,” said Randy. “He’s seen a lot of dark stuff and has been lucky to come out of that time with only a few scars.”
Both parents were excited when Jordan expressed an interest in a new career as a security professional. One drawback, however, was the idea that corporate security would be “boring and unfulfilling” compared to the “excitement” of working the streets as an investigator.
Randy attempted to dispel that notion. “I had a chance to explain the mission atmosphere and pride of the Y-12 workforce,” said Randy, who also connected Jordan with another security professional within Safeguards and Security.
That did the trick.
“Through that ongoing mentorship, I was able to make the transition from law enforcement to the private sector fairly seamlessly,” Jordan said. “The role I work in now is one I hoped I would be able to find after putting in years of hard work honing my skills as an investigator.”
Today, Jordan is the Incidents of Security Concern and Insider Threat Program manager. He has worked at Y-12 for the past 5 years.
“Engineering was not something that interested Jordan,” Randy said. “As a kid, he had a standing joke where he would try to trick me into revealing secrets.” With a smile, he added, “Now, he’s helping us protect them.”
Ironically, the father and son now share a hallway, with offices across from each other. The two also share a deep respect for the Y-12 mission.
“It still amazes me that I am now part of the legacy of this place, walking the same halls as some of the most influential scientists and engineers in our nation’s history,” Jordan said.
And for Jordan, that legacy is shared with his father.
Like father, like son.