In Columbus, Ohio, Battelle revealed today the appointment of Deborah (Deb) Gracio as the upcoming director of Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), starting October 1. Gracio will take over from Steven Ashby, who earlier this year mentioned his plan to resign as director. Battelle manages PNNL on behalf of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). With 35 years of experience at PNNL, Gracio, chosen through a rigorous national search, presently holds the position of associate laboratory director.