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Thousands of dedicated Pantex citizens like Taylor Cockrell work every day to support the Pantex mission. Take three minutes to learn about who he is, what he does, and why he is proud to be a Pantexan.

Among the people, pews, and praise at his church, Cloud Administrator Taylor Cockrell discovered more than he anticipated — a career in information technology.

Cockrell initially went to college for mechanical engineering, but he changed his major to sound production while working as an audio technician for his church. As he learned this auditory and technical craft, Cockrell quickly realized how much it involved IT, especially with networking. This realization turned into fascination, and not long after, he found himself working in IT-related jobs. First, he broadened his IT knowledge at a massive cattle-feeding operation. Four years later, he traded bovines for bombs.

“I was really excited and also grateful for the opportunity to work at Pantex,” Cockrell said. “My first year here was during site separation, which demanded a lot from my team when migrating from OneNet to PxNet and other related duties, but I enjoyed it.”

Cockrell’s pride in working here ties into what he appreciates the most about his job.

“I’m proud to be a part of the mission,” he said. “Pantex is a community, and we all have the same goal. What we do goes beyond our site borders. It’s important to me to be a part of that, and along the way, I get to work with a lot of diverse people with different skill sets. We help each other. I get better at what I do every day because of them.”

“Iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another” is a proverb that Cockrell lives by daily. He also knows that while you can improve through interaction with others, a continuous pursuit of knowledge is just as valuable to personal development.

“When you stop learning, you don’t grow as a person,” he said. “I continue to learn in my job and personal life to be the best I can be. Also, part of that growth comes from what not to do and in holding ourselves accountable. No matter how big or small you mess up, don’t sweep it under the rug. Own it and grow from it.”

What’s your top bucket list item and why?
Skydiving. Life can be so routine and skydiving is something out of the norm. I know a few people that have done this and have really enjoyed it. I think it would be a one-and-done situation, but I could look back and be proud I conquered something that earlier in my life I was too afraid to do.

What’s your favorite outside-of-work activity and why?
Coaching my son’s flag football team. The opportunity arose and I was hesitant at first, but I ended up really loving it. It’s made a huge positive impact on our relationship.

Why is giving back to the community important?
It’s important for Pantex to show it is more than just a government entity and that it cares for the people in the community, that we care about the area we all call home. I also believe it’s great to serve others and to see how happy they are when you help them when they need it the most, even if it’s something small.

Do you volunteer or remain actively engaged in the community?
I now run sound at my church as a volunteer. I’ve always enjoyed doing that and serving in the kingdom of God to help others.

Members of the SWAT team stand in the newly painted walking path leading from the Building 16-37 Argus to Building 16-001

Safety & Industrial Hygiene is calling in the SWAT team. But don’t worry, it’s probably not what you’re thinking.

Pantex has deployed a proactive new approach to site safety with the establishment of the Safe Walkways & Trafficways (SWAT) team. The term "SWAT" typically makes people think of specialized tactical units responding to critical incidents, but the Pantex SWAT team does not engage in high-risk law enforcement scenarios. Their mission however, is equally critical: safeguarding Pantexans from preventable injuries.

The team's name underscores site leadership’s dedicated focus on improving the infrastructure that Pantexans navigate daily. Designed to address issues before they escalate, this proactive approach mirrors the strategic and focused nature of its law enforcement namesake.

“SWAT was created to identify and remediate issues before they become a problem for Pantexans,” Safety and Industrial Hygiene Support and Compliance Manager Laresa Halcom said. “The team charter was formed to help fill the gap of a tripping hazard being identified and being repaired.”

This initiative aims to systemically identify and mitigate potential hazards related to slips, trips, and falls across the site, reinforcing Pantex’s commitment to a safe and secure work environment for all employees. This proactive stance is expected to streamline the resolution process and reinforce overall site safety.

The formation of the SWAT team is a direct response to persistent safety challenges. Over the past five years, Pantex has averaged approximately 16 documented slips, trips, or falls annually. The three-year average stands at 15 incidents per year, with 15 documented incidents already recorded for the current calendar year. These statistics point to the need for an intentional reduction effort.

"The intent is that we are improving walkways and roadways with controls that will eliminate or mitigate hazards that contribute to slips, trips, or falls," Halcom stated. “In our first charter meeting, we immediately identified areas that have been reported as an issue or seen first-hand. Currently, we are working through that list; however, we plan to begin going from facility to facility, zone by zone until we can say we have inspected the entire plant.”

The strength of the SWAT team lies in its diverse expertise and representation from across Pantex, including Safety and Industrial Hygiene personnel, the Metal Trades Council, the Pantex Guard Union, Facility Operations, Infrastructure Roadways, and Infrastructure Maintenance. This multidisciplinary team ensures that a wide range of perspectives and technical knowledge are applied to identifying and solving safety issues. Even though the team is relatively new, its already making a big impact around the site.

"This initiative began in August and we have been successful in creating a walking path from the Building 16-37 Argus to Building 16-001,” Halcom said. “I look forward to seeing the team accomplish additional improved surfaces.”

Safety is a collaborative effort at Pantex, and Halcom expects that the formation of the SWAT team will lead to tangible improvements in site conditions and a reduction in preventable injuries.

Pantexans are encouraged to actively participate in this new safety initiative. If you identify any areas of concern regarding walkways or trafficways that could pose a safety risk, contact the SWAT team by reaching out to Halcom or MTC and PGU Safety representatives. We all have a collective responsibility and commitment to creating a safer environment for every individual at the Pantex Plant.

"The expectation is that we as a team get out and walk the walkways and trafficways of Pantex and are successful in delivering safe, new or repaired areas and eliminating hazards!" Halcom said.

AMARILLO, TX – Officials with the Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration (DOE/NNSA) and the Pantex Plant, operated by PanTeXas Deterrence, LLC, (PXD), today celebrated the successful completion of the Last Production Unit (LPU) of the W88 Alteration (Alt) 370 nuclear warhead in November 2025.

Under Secretary for Nuclear Security and Administrator of the NNSA Brandon Williams was in attendance for site tours, briefings, and served as keynote speaker for the LPU celebration event. Also in attendance were National Security Enterprise partners in achieving the milestone, representatives of the U.S Navy, and Pantex local stakeholders.

“Reaching this LPU milestone required tremendous effort from all Pantex employees, along with the co-operation and collaboration from thousands of workers at Nuclear Security Enterprise sites across the country, and a close working relationship with the NNSA” PXD President and General Manager Kelly Beierschmitt said. “The success of this program demands the highest standards of safety, security, and quality from all involved. I commend everyone involved for their contributions.”

“Delivering on the W88 LPU is a proud moment and successful enterprise-wide team effort,” said Pantex Field Office Manager Jason Armstrong. “This milestone also exemplifies NNSA’s commitment to provide the nation’s nuclear weapons stockpile to the Department of War in support of national and global security.”

This alteration of the W88 is part of NNSA's multi-faceted strategy to ensure the United States nuclear deterrent continues to be safe, secure, and effective. The W88 is a submarine-launched ballistic missile nuclear warhead that entered the stockpile in late 1988.

The W88 Alt 370 program entered the development engineering phase in 2012 and production engineering began in early 2017. The W88 Alt 370 First Production Unit (FPU) was successfully completed in July 2021, ahead of schedule through outstanding teamwork from the Pantex Plant, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Sandia National Laboratory, Kansas City Nuclear Security Campus, and Y-12 National Security Complex.

The W88 Alt 370 program replaced certain aspects of the weapons system and refreshed the conventional high explosives within the weapon to enhance nuclear safety and support future life extension program options.

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PanTeXas Deterrence, LLC (PXD) is the management and operating contractor for the National Nuclear Security Administration’s Pantex Plant located in Carson County near Amarillo, Texas. Pantex maintains the safety, security, and effectiveness of the nation’s nuclear weapons stockpile. PXD is a joint venture led by a BWX Technologies, Inc. (BWXT) subsidiary – it also includes Fluor; SOC, A Day & Zimmermann Company; and The Texas A&M University System.

For more information on Pantex, visit www.pantex.energy.gov. Follow Pantex on Facebook, X, YouTube, Instagram, or LinkedIn.

CONTACT
Steve Myers
Communications
Office (806) 573.0490
Cell (806) 236.2826

Stephen.Myers@pantex.doe.gov

Thousands of dedicated Pantexans like John Laseter work every day to support the Pantex mission. Take three minutes to learn about who he is, what he does, and why he is proud to be a Pantexan.

“A job worth doing is a job worth doing right.” The words of John Laseter’s late father echo in his life every day as a Pantexan.

“Working at Pantex reinforces that purpose,” Laseter said. “This mission is extremely important to the nation, and I’m proud to be a part of that. Technically and geopolitically, what we do is fascinating and also intimidating; but regardless of whatever team you’re on, you have to have pride in the job.”

Laseter came from the banking world, bringing his information technology (IT) background to Pantex, where he serves as a software engineer. He’s part of a dedicated team that manages and maintains various applications such as Process Workflow Management, iTools, and eDC/RO. He is happy and proud to be part of a group with a singular purpose.

“I love the team that I’m with,” Laseter said. “Everybody in IT is super cool, respectful, and dedicated to their jobs and the mission. We all have different talents and proficiencies, and having a team with varying approaches is critical for best possible output.”

Recently, Laseter learned that truth in the best way possible – through experience. Working alongside fellow IT staff as well as individuals from other organizations, he played a key role in the completion of a major undertaking that he is extremely proud of.

“The Pantex Visitor Access Project,” he said. “It was an overhaul of the Pantex access and escort request process. There were lots of growing pains but it’s proven a positive change. I’m really glad Pantex did this and that I was a part of the team that implemented it.”

In his time on the project, Laseter took away many important lessons and it reinforced some of his preexisting values about an individual’s contribution and responsibility to group work.

“What we do at Pantex is a total team effort,” he said. “Being honest and taking responsibility for your actions builds trust and openness among teammates. You can’t expect others to hold you accountable. You’re that last line of defense. Owning up is something only you can do.”

What advice would you give to a new employee?
Don’t try to be an expert in everything at once. It’s going to take a while. You may have preconceived notions about Pantex and your job, but actually doing the job is more important when it comes to fully understanding Pantex and gaining skills.

What’s your top bucket list item and why?
I’ve grown into liking classical music, especially live performances. I saw Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 and it was an emotional experience. I really want to hear Bruckner’s Symphony No. 7 live.

Who has inspired you the most?
My dad. I got everything from him. Name, looks, 90% of my personality, work ethic, and outlook on life. I picked up his values and ethics and more without thinking about it, kind of like through osmosis. He refused to do anything that was questionable. And he always stuck to his guns.

Thousands of dedicated Pantex citizens like Jeramy Jones work every day to support the Pantex mission. Take three minutes to learn about who he is, what he does, and why he is proud to be a Pantexan.

Usually babysitting a younger sibling results in a “thank you” or if you’re lucky a few dollars and some take-out pizza. But for Jeramy Jones, watching his younger stepsister as a teen led to him being an at-home winner on The Bozo Show’s Grand Prize Game.

“At the time, I was babysitting and Bozo’s was one of the shows my sister would watch and it kept her entertained,” Jones said. “There was an advertisement for an at-home player, so I entered the drawing just to have her enter too. The at-home player won a duplicate of every prize won by the live in-studio player. I didn’t even know I was selected, but the next thing I know there are boxes of prizes showing up at our door.”

Jones won several prizes and toys, but his favorite was a year’s supply of Big League Chew bubblegum. Several years later, the bubble never popped, and Jones continued his winning streak by being hired on at Pantex in 2001. As the Waste Compliance section manager, he serves Pantex by leading the team that ensures compliance with federal and state regulations. While the Big League Chew may have lost its flavor long ago, Jones never lost his passion for the job.

“I have worked at Pantex for over 24 years. My team and I contribute to the mission success by reviewing, characterizing, and documenting all waste-generating processes so that Pantex remains compliant with all regulations,” Jones said. “It brings me joy to think that I work at a place that truly makes a difference in the world. I am proud to be a Pantexan, because I know that the work we all do contributes to nuclear deterrence.”

What do you think makes Pantex so special?
There is no other place that can do what we do the way we do it!

Why is being open to learn from others critical for mission success?
Being able to learn from others is so important at Pantex because we are so specialized. Knowledge and work practices being shared and passed down from current and past employees are many times vital to complete job tasks.

What does operational excellence mean to you?
To me, operational excellence can be simply stated as, ‘everything that you do, do it with excellence.’

Why is teamwork important?
Teamwork is very important in our group. The adage, ‘no man is an island’ rings true with us and is necessary to aid in the continuous learning process. Everyone brings something special to the table.

What advice would you give to a new employee?
Be patient and don’t be too quick with trying to change the world. Be a sponge and soak up as much as you can about the processes out here so that when your time comes, you’re ready to add something special.

Why is giving back to the community important?
Our communities are special to all of us. It is where we call home. Giving back helps those that aren’t as fortunate within our community. I consider it a pleasure.

What’s your favorite outside-of-work activity and why?
My activities outside of work involve chasing my grandson around. When I’m not doing that, I am either spending time with my family or on the golf course.

Kierya Freiboth, Macey Ray, Alicia Bermudez, Hunter Rose, and Riley Blacksten

The crowd is on its feet, a deafening roar filling the arena. Michigan has possession, and the ball is in the hands of Jalen Rose who is calmly dribbling past half-court before passing to an open Chris Webber. Time is ticking away – five seconds, four seconds, three ... The clock hits zero and ... SWISH! The Fab Five has done it again.

The 1991 Michigan Wolverines Fab Five basketball team is considered one of the greatest recruiting classes of all time. While Pantex doesn’t compete in college basketball, we also recruit and retain the best of the best to achieve our national security mission. That includes our own group of five fabulous weapons engineers: Macey Ray, Hunter Rose, Kierya Freiboth, Alicia Bermudez, and Riley Blacksten.

“We work for the Weapons Material Program,” Freiboth said. “As material engineers, our group owns the entire life cycle of materials used across the plant. We are involved with various working groups and programs to ensure needs are met throughout the site.”

The five Pantexans started right out of college then spent the next three months in the uncleared room where they all sat in the same row, awaiting their clearances. Just like the legendary Michigan team, who was the first in NCAA history to compete in the championship game with all freshman starters, the engineers were the new kids on the block. But just because you’re new doesn’t mean you can’t accomplish great things.

“Pantex is so much different than any other place of employment, so we had a collective lack of knowledge and were going through it together,” Bermudez said. “When we first started, we were assigned big group projects to work, so we were collaborating and learning as a team.”

“We were able to learn as a group,” Ray said. “We are very team oriented, collaborating on the same work day in and day out. At first, it was doing uncleared work together but then we became friends out of it and started doing things outside of work.”

Rose, Freiboth, and Bermudez aren’t local to Amarillo. Ray and Blacksten helped welcome them to the area by socializing after work and attending local events they all enjoyed.

“It can get lonely without friends and knowing the area,” Bermudez said. “I think networking in the uncleared room helps with retention. Before I moved here, I didn’t know how long I would stay, but I like it here now. You’re here for 9 hours a day; if you’re not friends with people you work with, it makes it harder to find friends outside of work.”

“Meeting each other in the uncleared room diversified our knowledge outside of what we’re the subject matter expert over, so we’re more well-rounded,” Freiboth said.

From concerts to hiking to game nights, the group is together more often than they’re apart. They do so much outside of work that it makes it so there are no communication barriers at the plant.

“It’s so nice that it translates from outside of work. We hold each other accountable,” Ray said. “Since I see us all on the same playing field, it’s motivating because I don’t want to be the one dragging us down, so it makes us work harder for each other.”

Thanks to their own positive experience in the uncleared room, the group had advice for new Pantexans going in.

“In your downtime between trainings, don’t just focus on the screen – focus on the people,” Bermudez said. “There is work to do and it’s important to do it, but the connections you make in there will be what help you get work done as you progress in your career. You grow your social skills by networking with the people around you. Use that as an opportunity. There is no better time to start.”
So, while the material engineers won’t be shooting hoops at a collegiate level anytime soon, their friendship does score major points.

“Pantex would’ve been great without them, but it is 10 times better with them,” Ray said.

For Pantex expediter Andy Sotelo, boxing saved his life. He knew while growing up in the small town of Fairview, Montana, that there were more ways to find trouble than not, but boxing gave him purpose and drive.

“Coach said ‘come and practice,’ so we did, and it kept us off the streets,” Sotelo said. “Also, my uncles used to box so I kind of wanted to follow their footsteps.”

Sotelo boxed competitively for 13 years starting in middle school before moving on to amateur level fighting as a 165-pound middleweight. Over his career he boxed in 130 matches, winning 100 of them.

Sotelo’s lucky number must be five as he is a five-time Golden Gloves champion, five-time state champion, and five-time regional champion. He went to nationals five times, placing as high as third in the nation.

“I've been knocked down a couple of times, but never knocked out,” he said. “And I still got my teeth.”

For Sotelo, boxing wasn’t just a fun sport he was good at; he loved the opportunities it gave him to travel and see more of the country. He once fought at the Olympic Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and in Canada four different times. He fought among those who would later make big names for themselves such as Floyd Mayweather Jr., Antonio Tarver, Jermain Taylor, and Jeff Lacey.

One of the biggest matches Sotelo fought was against Canada’s national champion in 1998 and was broadcast on national TV. A fight that he won.

“I sometimes regret not going pro,” he said. “But I know I’m where I’m supposed to be.”

As an expediter, Sotelo has handled material moves with a forklift for seven years after starting his Pantex career as a custodian. Before that, he ran his own cleaning business for the 13 years.

“It's very important we bring material down to the south end, or to the north end,” he said. “It's a pretty good job to have and working on your skills is huge.”

Like boxing, Sotelo says his job requires practice, focus, and having the right mindset to be prepared for anything, because every fight is different.

“In boxing, working on your skills is everything and that translates to my job,” he said.

Sotelo continues to be involved in boxing as exercise. He’s still got the speed and heart, but gets tired more quickly than he used to. He also continues his involvement as a mentor to younger hopefuls. He feels honored to show them the basics.

Both his son and daughter got into boxing for a while and his daughter was especially impressive. He’d like to get even more involved in working with young boxers to share some of the life advice that has helped him in his life.

“From inside the ring to outside of the ring, be confident, be positive,” Sotelo said. “Sometimes life is a struggle, you know, it’s just how you roll with the punches. Just make the best of it.”

Watch this video to watch Andy Sotelo, amateur boxer and proud Pantexan, in action.

Thousands of dedicated Pantex citizens like Michael Sauls work every day to support the Pantex mission. Take three minutes to learn about who he is, what he does, and why he is proud to be a Pantexan.

Continuous learning is on the forefront of our minds today, with countless people learning for the sake of it. Maintenance Planner Michael Sauls is learning for the generations to come.

Sauls, who has been a Pantexan for the last seven years, started as a material handler and worked his way to being an area mechanic four years later. After two more years working on vehicles, he moved into his current role. With planner in his title, it is no surprise that Sauls is working towards making the plant better, not only for today, but for future generations of Pantexans.

“I try to be a futuristic person,” Sauls said. “I want to build a better future for our new people coming up. It’s hard to be heard sometimes, so I use my ability to speak up for others when they can’t.”

Making sure things work well together is Sauls’ specialty; whether that be the people he works with or the way he plans maintenance work, everything Sauls does is for a reason.

“We get everything for the job put together for colleagues to be able to perform work smoothly so they don’t have to worry about being able to do their job,” Sauls said. “Because we have different experiences, I know we will handle situations differently, but I am able to work with everyone — and learn from them — because at the end of the day I know we are working towards the same goal.”

Sauls is also learning a new language, one that he thinks will serve him well when he considers future work: coding. After some health issues during adolescence, Sauls found that he loved technology and has tried keeping up with the ways it could affect him. Considering technological advancements the plant is implementing, Sauls is excited about the way things are moving forward.

“I see the direction we are going as a plant and I don’t want to limit myself,” Sauls said.

Through constant learning and with the support of his ever-growing community, Sauls continues to push his limits and develop as a proud Pantexan.

What do you enjoy most about working at Pantex?

The people are what make this place very enjoyable. Learning what makes us different is really intriguing to me.

What do you think makes Pantex so special?

The accountability we have within the people. Pantex trusts us every day to make the right decisions, inside and outside of this place. It speaks volumes when you build a community based on trust in a diverse company like this.

Anything else you’d like to add about your role, your team, and/or Pantex/the mission?

Anything and everything that I can bring to my role or team is growth. I always want to exceed expectations for the company and with people every day. When you’re able to develop and grow with people, you continue to learn more about them and yourself.

What’s your top bucket list item and why?

I want to travel the world, but I don’t have specific places in mind. I want to be able to enjoy the wonders of the world and to actually see those wallpapers we get on our computer. Someone had to capture it in life; I want to be able to capture it in person.

RANK Shields from Texas Tech won first place at this year’s Innovation Challenge.

Texas A&M Aggies versus Texas Tech Red Raiders is a match-up that has not happened since 2011 when the two football teams met for the final annual matchup before conference realignment - until now.

Students from the two universities went head-to-head in a matchup focused on innovation, not football.

Three teams from each institution traveled to Pantex on November 7 to compete in the championship round of the annual Pantex Innovation Challenge. The groups were the top finalists after preliminary competitions at their respective schools.

Texas A&M held their "Aggies Invent" challenge in mid-September at the main campus in College Station, Texas. The Red Raiders held their competition in Lubbock, Texas, in mid-October. Both competitions tasked the students with inventing solutions to real-world problems and issues encountered at Pantex. Representatives from Pantex attended both competitions to assist the students with their invention presentations and judge the final pitches.

"The innovation challenges are competitions based on innovation of mission-critical problems that students can participate and provide implementation pathways for winning solutions," said Brenda Dillard, Pantex Partnerships and Technology Transfer program manager.

The teams that competed from Texas A&M were:

• A.U.R.A (Autonomous Unmanned Robotic Arm)
• Barracutta
• AutoTool Inc.

The presentations and teams from Texas Tech were:

• AutoChem Analytics
• IntelliAI
• RANK Shields

"This brings an opportunity to innovate with people I have never met before all while putting my name out to Pantex," said Matthew Valdez, a freshman engineering major from Texas A&M and member of A.U.R.A.

All six teams performed well, and the judges had a difficult decision to make in choosing the top three.

"This is the first time we have done this event at Pantex. It’s beneficial to get these students here and a little healthy competition between two schools in the state of Texas is great," Tyfani Lanier, Pantex engineering division director and chief engineer said. "I look forward to continuing the expansion of the Innovation Challenge and hearing more from talented students who make up the future of Pantex."

RANK Shields from Texas Tech took home the bragging rights of being named the Pantex Innovation Challenge Champion and $10,000 to support continued learning and inventing.

Earning second place and $5,000 was IntelliAI from Texas Tech. AutoTool Inc. rounded out the competition, taking third place and bringing $3,000 back to College Station.

"This challenge introduces the skill of team work and collaboration with people from different majors and backgrounds," Ethan Rojas-Tovar, a senior mechanical engineering major and member of the winning RANK Shields team from Texas Tech explained. "I enjoy coming up with an innovative solution on the spot and this is an amazing networking opportunity."

The Pantex Innovation Challenge is one example of how Pantex invests in partnerships with higher education institutions and the future workforce.

"It is critical that Pantex invest in academic partnerships. Students bring fresh perspectives, innovative approaches, and access to academic research, while Pantex offers real-world problem exposure, mentorship from experienced professionals, and career pathway development," Dillard said. "We treat every student interaction as developing a potential future employee or long-term collaborator."

When will the two universities meet up again for a challenge? Time will tell, as both football teams are doing well this season. For now, Texas Tech holds the bragging rights for winning the Pantex Innovation Challenge.

Students from Texas Tech's IntelliAI team with their second place award.

Texas A&M students from the AutoTech Inc team with their third-place prize.

Top 20 Under 40 Award Winners

Every year, the Amarillo Chamber of Commerce recognizes local professionals who are actively making a difference in their communities, on and off the clock, with the Top 20 Under 40 Awards. This year, three Pantexans are being recognized for contributions to their work place and community.

All of the award recipients have shown excellence in their profession and have worked in the Amarillo area for a minimum of three years in the same field. Applicants are reviewed and selected by a panel of judges. Each recipient of the Top 20 Under 40 awards were recognized at the Amarillo Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards Celebration on August 28, 2025.

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Ashley Massucci started at Pantex eight years ago in Performance Excellence as a data analyst and currently works as the chief of staff in the Office of the President. Outside of work, Massucci volunteers at Sleepy Hollow Elementary and First Baptist Church of Amarillo. During the holiday season she serves on the committee for Christmas Roundup at the Amarillo Museum of Art Alliance. This is a large event and one of Massucci's favorite events to volunteer for.

Massucci has been recently appointed to serve on the boards for both Heal the City Free Clinic and the Panhandle Adult Rebuilding Center (PARC). Heal the City provides free health care, food, clothing, and educational resources to those in need, while PARC focuses on helping those who are homeless gain stability and plan their future.

“I was born and raised in Amarillo and have deep roots in the community,” said Massucci. “I love Amarillo and am passionate about the city and its continued growth. With Pantex being the largest employer in the region, I am honored to represent Pantex in receiving this award. I hope I can
continue to do my part to strengthen the community and make it a place my own children and grandchildren choose to establish roots someday.”

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Shian Yada is the deputy assistant manager for Environment, Safety, Health, and Quality at the National Nuclear Security Administration's Pantex Field Office and has been a part of Pantex for 12 years. Yada's passion for environmental health and safety is not only reflected in her work, but also in the ways she contributes to the community.

Yada volunteers for animal rescues in the Amarillo area, providing shelter, medical care, and long–term placement to animals in need. She is also a volunteer at the Arabian Horse Association, where she works to support their education programs, youth development, and outreach initiatives. Each of
these programs are designed to help youth learn horsemanship and safety as well as foster leadership.

“Being selected for the Top 20 Under 40 Award by the Amarillo Chamber of Commerce is an incredible honor and a meaningful milestone in my journey,” Yada said. “It represents not just personal achievement, but a commitment to service, leadership, and giving back to the community.
I'm humbled to be recognized among such driven and impactful peers.”

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Maeghan Brundrett has been at Pantex for six years and is currently an analyst for Project Performance Analytics. In her role at Pantex she is dedicated to working with interns and new hires as they enter their new roles. She is also a peer mentor, working with her colleagues to better themselves through skill development and share her passion for leadership.

Leadership is how Brundrett gives back to her community as well. She was on the committee for the Pantex Community Investment Grant Committee for two years, where she helped award grants to local non–profit organizations in the Panhandle region. Currently she focuses on outreach for women in science, technology, engineering, and math, commonly referred to as STEM. Among her volunteering efforts Brundrett served as an instructor and mentor for the Army Research and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (REAP), and is currently working with Science – It's a Girl Thing and the Catch the Engineering Bug program.

“I am incredibly honored for being selected as one of the Top 20 Under 40” said Brundrett. “The impact of others' mentorship and leadership throughout my life is a reflection of this recognition and I am humbled to be chosen. God has truly blessed me and I am so proud to be a Pantexan and a citizen of Amarillo.”

All three award winners are a true testament of what it means to be a Pantex Citizen.