Solomon to Lead Division at GA

General Atomics has named Wayne Solomon, Ph.D. as vice president for its Magnetic Fusion Energy (MFE) Division, overseeing nuclear fusion experiments at the GA/U.S. Department of Energy facility on Torrey Pines Mesa. The business made the announcement on March 18.

“I want to congratulate Wayne on his promotion,” said Anantha Krishnan, Ph.D., senior vice president for the General Atomics Energy Group. “Wayne has been an integral part of GA’s Energy Group for many years and brings a wealth of experience and both institutional and community knowledge to this position. This is an exciting time for fusion, and as we look towards the future, I can think of no better person than Wayne to lead MFE.”

The centerpiece of the fusion work at GA is its DIII-D chamber, which confines extremely hot plasma in a magnetic field.

“I am excited to take on this important role,” Solomon said. “Since first coming to DIII-D almost 20 years ago, I have been incredibly privileged to have worked closely with GA’s incredible group of researchers on the most pressing challenges in fusion. A confluence of events has set the stage for rapid advances in fusion energy in the coming years, and I look forward to working with the team to secure an inspiring and rewarding future for everyone in MFE as we strive to make fusion energy a reality.”  
 
Solomon joined GA in 2016 as deputy director for the DIII-D National Fusion Facility. Most recently, he held the role of director of science and technology and deputy director for MFE, where he helped develop a long-range strategy for the division and oversaw innovative science, research and technology development programs within the Energy Group.

Burgess to Lead Space Systems

Earlier in the year, General Atomics announced that Gregg Burgess joined the organization as vice president, GA-EMS Space Systems. Burgess will be responsible for GA-EMS’ expanding portfolio of miniature, small and medium satellite solutions and space technologies for Radiofrequency and Optical communications using advanced laser technology.
 
Burgess previously served as chief technology officer at Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) Space Systems, and as vice president of Business Development at SNC’s ISR Aviation and Security Sector.  
 
“We are excited to have Gregg onboard as we continue to support customers including NASA, NOAA and [U.S.] Space Force, and as we bring our space systems and satellite business to the next level,” said Scott Forney, president of GA-EMS. “Gregg’s depth of experience in managing for growth, in successfully designing and delivering numerous satellite programs, and driving space technology innovations, will be instrumental in expanding our capabilities and capacity to deliver critical mission solutions well into the future.”

General Atomics & Affiliated Cos.
FOUNDED: 1955
CEO: Neal Blue
HEADQUARTERS: Torrey Pines Mesa
BUSINESS: Defense contractor and technology company
EMPLOYEES: More than 15,000
WEBSITE: www.ga.com
CONTACT: 858-455-3000
NOTABLE: The company was founded as a division of General Dynamics in 1955. Following several ownership changes, brothers Neal and Linden S. Blue bought it in 1986.