Thomas (Clay) Messer

Thomas "Clay" Messer has over 25 years of experience leading and managing in high consequence environments, including nuclear weapon/component protection.  He serves as the Deputy Director of the Office of Safeguards and Security Assessments, within the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Office of Enterprise Assessments (EA).  In this role, he leads teams of subject matter experts in assessing compliance and the performance of protection programs at DOE and National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) facilities possessing significant quantities of special nuclear material and other high-value assets.

He began his career with DOE at the National Nuclear Security Administration's Pantex Plant. He served in numerous positions with the site management and operating contractor, including protective force shift commander and safeguards and security analytical basis program manager. Before joining the Department, Mr. Messer served in the United States Marine Corps.  Mr. Messer holds a Master of Business Administration degree and a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management.