Y-12er spotlight: Josh Gerken
After 20+ years at Pantex, Josh Gerken is ready to make Y-12 his work home. Photo by Joy Kimbrough.
The Y‑12er spotlight shines on one of our own, Josh Gerken, the vice president of Program Integration. 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.
His is a name and face many Y‑12ers know from his efforts on the Pantex and Y‑12 contract transition during 2024. Now this former Pantexan is a Y‑12er. Get acquainted with Josh Gerken, vice president of Program Integration.
“Until contract transition, I was a career‑long Pantex employee,” Gerken said. “I started at the site in 2001 as a technician in the Gas Analysis Laboratory and have been extremely blessed with opportunities in both technical and leadership roles that support NNSA’s important mission.”
The decision to join Y‑12 wasn’t one Gerken made easily, as it meant leaving behind his family, his roots, and his colleagues. “I miss my Pantex group as I worked with them for 20 years, but I have no worries about developing similar bonds here. Your work relationships and network are important.”
His new role does reach back to the Pantex network, which continues to enhance the Pantex and Y‑12 partnership. “I served as the senior director of Stockpile Programs at CNS for about 2 years until we made the smart decision to divide this role into site‑specific responsibilities,” he said. “I was able to learn a fair amount about the weapons scope at Y‑12; however, given the large size of that scope, as well as the important role that the Oak Ridge Corridor has played and continues to play in our country’s history, I realize that I have so much more to learn.”
And learning is something he does regularly. “I have had team members in the past jokingly tell me I ask too many questions, but asking questions can help me and others learn or view a situation through a new lens.”
His technical experience is an advantage in his role. “I bring a relatively strong technical background to the team, as well as a fresh set of eyes,” Gerken said. “I hope I can bring that perspective, as well as the continued relationships with the site, to Y‑12.”
Gerken sees his role at Y‑12 as a “good trade because I get to see the background and get involved earlier in the process. The pride at Y‑12 and historical legacy of the Manhattan Project that people embrace is really cool. During my time here, I’ve not met anyone who views working here as just a job.”
How can communications make (or break) a task being worked?
Often, without communication, a problem can snowball to where the solution becomes much more complicated. Communications with colleagues, leadership, and customers is vital to ensuring solutions get identified and worked at the appropriate level.
How has teamwork allowed you to grow as an employee?
It has made me realize how dependent we all are on each other, whether as a work group, a site, or an enterprise. Our mission is far too complex to depend on any sole entity. When I realized this and the aperture was opened, it amplified my pride in our mission.
How do our established procedures, administrative controls, rules, etc. help us in being accountable to CNS, our site, and our peers?
Our procedures and policies are what allow us to come to work, deliver on NNSA’s mission with high quality, and go home safely every day. Practicing disciplined operations and never settling underpin CNS’s ability to deliver on such an important mission.
What is the top lesson you have learned by applying problem‑solving skills to an issue?
Do not be afraid to ask for help. There is likely always someone that is going to know more or has more experience in an area who can help with a higher quality solution than going alone.
If you are new to the area, what is something you are looking forward to doing?
We are looking forward to becoming part of the East Tennessee community. The decision to move here was not taken lightly, as all of my family is in Texas, but this was an amazing opportunity with CNS that was too good to pass on. Personally, I have always wanted to live near the mountains, and now that I do, I suppose I should take advantage of all of the activities that the area has to offer!