The Applied Physics Laboratory has named Richard P. Suess (pictured at right) as its third chief of staff, effective July 1. In his new position Suess will be assisting APL's director, Richard T. Roca, and assuming responsibility for many internal and external administrative tasks involving Laboratory operations, sponsors and the university.

"Dick's 41 years of experience in a variety of technical and administrative positions at APL make him uniquely qualified as the Laboratory's chief of staff," Roca says. "His proven ability to make good decisions in complex situations is a major asset for the Director's Office."

Suess joined the laboratory in 1960 after graduating from the University of Pittsburgh with a bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering. He initially conducted research on missile radomes for ship-launched Terrier, Talos and Tartar surface-to-air missiles. While working on missile research, he completed a master of science degree in aeronautical engineering at the University of Maryland in 1965. He then joined a Laboratory test and evaluation team studying Polaris submarine operations, which led to his selection as APL representative to the Navy's Atlantic Submarine Force from 1969 to 1971.

He served in numerous Laboratory management roles including assistant and then associate department head of the Strategic Systems Department and head of the former Aeronautics Department. He moved to the Director's Office in 1992 to help oversee Laboratory programs and operations and assist the director with management and administrative duties.