Council Chair Emeritus Miriam John Receives Navy Superior Public Service Award

CCST Council Chair Emeritus Miriam E. John received the Navy Superior Public Service Award yesterday in recognition for her “extraordinary service to the Navy.” It is the highest award that the Chief of Naval Operations can bestow on a civilian and recognizes significant contributions to the Naval Services.

John received the honor in recognition of her service as a member of the Naval Studies Board (NSB) of the National Research Council since 2000 and Chair of the NSB from 2008 through 2014. During this time she spearheaded a series of comprehensive studies designed to inform decisions on force structure, posture and capability requirements requested by the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) and to influence naval strategy and future directions.

“Dr. John’s efforts provided invaluable support across the entire spectrum of naval scientific research,” stated current CNO Admiral Jonathan W. Greenert. “Her vision contributed to an extensive portfolio to address critical issues facing future naval forces… The extraordinary leadership required to accomplish this sustained level of effort and to produce far-reaching and long-term results reflect the highest credit upon her.”

Miriam John is Vice President Emeritus of the California Division of Sandia National Laboratories. During her Sandia career, she worked on a wide variety of programs, including nuclear weapons, chemical and biological defense, missile defense, and solar energy, and provided leadership for a number of the laboratory’s energy, national security and homeland security programs. She is a past member of the Air Force Scientific Advisory Board, the Board on Army Science and Technology, and DOE’s National Commission on Science and Security, and was appointed a National Associate of the National Academies of Science and Engineering. She served as a member of the CCST Council from 2003-2008, and as Council Chair from 2011-2013.

“Having seen Mim in her work with CCST, it is no surprise to us that Mim would be honored for superior public service by our Navy,” said CCST Board Chair Charles F. Kennel. “It is one more reason for us to be proud to be associated with her.”