WASHINGTON, DC- The U.S. Department of Energy today named Elizabeth D. Sellers as the new manager of the Department's Idaho Operations Office effective April 1, 2003. Sellers is an experienced manager of DOE's environmental cleanup and national security programs. She will report to the Office of Nuclear Energy, Science and Technology and will oversee the activities of 5,900 federal and contractor staff.

"Our Idaho site plays an important role in a variety of DOE missions, and Beth Sellers experience in managing environmental cleanup and her background in nuclear energy projects will be a great asset to our operations at the site," said Secretary of Energy Spencer Abraham.

Sellers will manage the return of the Idaho site to its core mission of nuclear technology development, necessary to support the Nation's expanding nuclear energy initiatives. DOE is currently engaged in a comprehensive planning effort for the site's future. These plans envision Idaho at the center of the Department's efforts to develop advanced Generation IV nuclear energy systems, nuclear hydrogen production capabilities, advanced fuel treatment technologies, and to assist NASA in the development and testing of space power systems.

Sellers will also support the Department's Office of Environmental Management in meeting its goal of accelerating cleanup at the Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory from 2035 to 2012. That cleanup program is on schedule and Sellers will be responsible for managing it to its conclusion.

"I appreciate this unique opportunity to participate in formulating and implementing a new future for the Idaho site," said Sellers. "Many of the exciting nuclear technology initiatives the Department has announced over the last two years will be centered in Idaho and I'm looking forward to being a part of this important work for many years to come."

Currently, Sellers serves as the Manager at DOE's National Nuclear Security Administration's Kansas City Site Office, overseeing a $500 million per year national security-related production contract. She was also director of the spent nuclear fuel project at the DOE Richland Operations Office. With DOE since 1983, Sellers began her career at the Albuquerque Operations Office where she held positions in national security and environmental cleanup. Sellers holds dual degrees in English and chemical engineering from the Universities of Alabama and New Mexico.

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