Balendra Sutharshan
About Balendra Sutharshan
Balendra Sutharshan serves as the Chief Operations Officer and Executive Vice President for Operations at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, a position he has held since 2023. He has extensive experience in operations management and project management across various organizations, including Westinghouse Electric Company and Argonne National Laboratory.
Current Role at Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Balendra Sutharshan serves as the Chief Operations Officer and Executive Vice President for Operations at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. He has held this position since 2023, working on-site in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. In this role, he oversees various operational aspects of the laboratory, ensuring efficient management of resources and processes.
Education and Expertise
Balendra Sutharshan studied at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, where he earned an MBA in Finance from 2003 to 2005. He also holds a Ph.D. in Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, which he completed from 1993 to 1998. His educational background supports his expertise in operations management, project management, and the application of DMAIC methodology for process improvement.
Professional Background
Balendra Sutharshan has extensive experience in various leadership roles across multiple organizations. He worked at Westinghouse Electric Company in several capacities, including Nuclear Fuel Strategy and Business Development, Director of Business Development, and New Plant Engineering. He also held the position of Associate Laboratory Director for Isotope Science & Engineering at Oak Ridge National Laboratory before his current role. His experience includes significant positions at Argonne National Laboratory and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, where he served as Chief Operations Officer.
International Project Management Experience
Balendra Sutharshan possesses international project management skills, indicating his capacity to manage projects across different countries and regions. This experience is particularly relevant in the research industry, where collaboration and coordination with global teams are essential for successful project execution.
Skills in Operations Management
Balendra Sutharshan has a strong background in operations management, which includes overseeing and redesigning business operations for the production of goods and services. His analytical skills are crucial for effective operations management, enabling him to assess processes and implement improvements that enhance efficiency and productivity.