Randy Pico

1981 ET and 2004 BSTM, DeVry University (Phoenix, AZ and Fremont, CA respectively)
Superintendent for the National Security Engineering Division (NSED) for Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL)

Employer Overview

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) is a premier research and development institution for cutting edge science and technology. We are responsible for ensuring that the nation's nuclear weapons remain safe, secure, and reliable. LLNL also applies its expertise to prevent the spread and use of weapons of mass destruction and strengthen homeland security. Our national security mission requires special multidisciplinary capabilities that support programs in global security, public health protection, emergency response planning, stockpile stewardship, energy and environment issues and many other areas of science. These activities all enhance the ability to ensure our nation's security.

Current Job

As Superintendent, I lead a team of Supervisors and Senior Supervisors with the goal of meeting the engineering challenges brought about through the support of the Laboratory's mission. My job duties and responsibilities include hiring as well as salary and performance management of a technical support organization. The development of this technical workforce is critical in my assignment. I must ensure that the quality and consistency of the high standards needed to perform the critical work done at the lab is maintained and do this through the use of design reviews, work site visits and area safety reviews.

Career History

I graduated from DeVry in 1981 with an Electronic Technician Diploma and began working at LLNL as an Electronic Technician. My diploma enabled me to successfully start my career on the right path. I quickly advanced with three promotions in less than six years obtaining the title of Senior Electronic Technologist. The fundamental training in electronics combined with my software and technical writing skills gave me the tools to participate in national peer review conferences. I later advanced three more classifications and acquired the position of Senior Supervisor."

Looking forward to advancement into the Superintendent duties and responsibilities, I wanted to give myself an advantage by expanding my knowledge in Motivation and Leadership, Project Management and Operations Management. I started looking for a program that allowed me to customize my education to meet our corporate needs. I wanted a program that was structured with a few electives for maximum impact. Once again I turned to DeVry and enrolled into the Technical Management program. In 2004, I graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science and was quickly given the opportunity to serve as a Division Superintendent at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory's National Security Engineering Division.

DeVry's Impact

I am very proud and deeply honored to have the opportunity to serve what is arguably the largest Alumni Association in the Nation and have never been disappointed in almost 30 years of continuous contact with DeVry.

DeVry has a rich history in my family and the families of many past graduates during the last 75 years. Although my initial experience at DeVry was to gain technical knowledge, I value the wide range of educational opportunities offered. As a two time graduate, DeVry has continuously exceeded my expectations on every occasion.

Volunteering to Help Others

I began volunteering by helping other students with their course work as well as handling personal problems and just coping with the first time college student experience when I first attended the Phoenix campus.

I continue to volunteer today. Through work, I've taken the "Science Van" to elementary, middle and high school students throughout the state of California. By bringing science to the classroom, we provide interactive hands-on science with a focus on electricity, vacuum, and freezing principles.

For several years I was a moderator/timekeeper for Science Bowl high school competitions throughout the southwest. I have also served on several non-profit boards including the American Indian Science and Engineering Society's as President of their California Professional Chapter. Currently, I serve as President of Shadowbird Inc., a public benefit corporation focusing on land preservation and leadership skills for youth.

As a parent, I have been active in Math Counts and fundraising for local high school sports.

In Summary

I believe the most significant benefit a DeVry Alumni Association member will receive is belonging. The fraternal feeling of knowing others have experienced a DeVry program and benefited from a truly unique educational experience. DeVry enabled us to make career decisions and quickly enter the job market. Getting involved can provide the ability to share jobs, experiences, and contact information, while mentoring and encouraging others to succeed. Ultimately DeVry wants to increase the pool of qualified individuals in technology, medical, business and computer-related fields. Together, we make a great team.