Unica K. T. Viramontes
Introduction
Unica Viramontes leads the Defense Protection directorate (ALDDP), responsible for safeguards, physical security, and emergency management programs that protect special nuclear material, people, information, and critical assets across LANL. She brings 24 years of progressive leadership in multiple security and safeguards functions.
Background
Viramontes began at LANL as a high-school co-op student and went on to advance through seven security and safeguards areas gaining deep operational and programmatic expertise across the Laboratory’s mission. Prior to her ALD appointment, she served as Senior Director for the Defense Security Program, Security Division Leader, and Program Director for Mission Assurance, Security, and Emergency Response, where she provided strategic direction, technical leadership and comprehensive program management for Laboratory-wide security programs. As ALDDP, she integrates protective force operations, physical security engineering, insider-threat programs, emergency management, and operational assurance to anticipate and counter evolving threats. She focuses on disciplined operations, workforce development, and strong partnerships with mission organizations to ensure protection strategies align with and enable production and scientific activities.
Education
- B.A., Mass Communications/Media Studies — UC Berkeley
- M.B.A. — University of New Mexico
- Certified Project Management Professional (PMP) — Project Management Institute
- Leadership training: Battelle LOLA (per public profile).
Area Managed
ALDDP delivers comprehensive safeguards, security, and emergency preparedness, ensuring resilient protection for people and assets. The directorate integrates operations with mission schedules and regulatory requirements to maintain readiness.