Chief of Staff for Laboratory Operations, National Energy Technology Laboratory, U.S. Department of Energy
By Maggie Hatfield
Growing up in Keyser, WV, Lee Ann Haley, chief of staff for laboratory operations at the National Energy Technology Laboratory, displayed the grit and determination to tackle any obstacle that was in her way.
“When I was younger, my mom would always tell me that, above all, I had grit, because during difficult and trying times, I have always been able to dig deep and persevere,” she says.
Haley always knew she wanted to go to college and have a successful career, but it wasn’t until her third year at West Virginia University (WVU) that she chose the path toward becoming a U.S. Army aviator.
“I went to airborne school as an Army ROTC cadet at WVU, where I jumped out of a plane more times than I had flown in one, and I became enthralled with the aviator lifestyle. After that, there was no turning back.”
Haley’s family played a huge role in her choice to serve in the military, and the work ethic and determination she learned from her parents and siblings were put to the test when she earned a four-year Army ROTC scholarship.
“I was challenged with learning the ways of the military, balancing schoolwork and working to support myself financially,” she says. “These challenges led to my success in flight school because I was comfortable supporting myself while learning new technical and tactical skills as an aviator and military officer.”
After graduation, Haley was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Army. She went directly to flight school, where she joined a competitive class of young professionals striving to become helicopter pilots.
She has held multiple leadership positions, including Army aviation officer, piloting a UH-60L Black Hawk helicopter, and paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division’s Combat Aviation Brigade, where she was deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Haley’s highest military awards and decorations include the Air Medal and the Combat Action Badge.
After her military tenure, Haley wanted to continue federal service working for the government. She served the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs as a congressional liaison and a branch chief at the Board of Veterans’ Appeals in Washington, D.C., before returning home to the Mountain State. She continues this service today at the National Energy Technology Laboratory.
“I enjoy the diverse mission of the laboratory operations center and the challenges that arise from supporting a robust research mission within the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Fossil Energy,” she says. “I enjoy working with professionals from different technical and administrative specialties to develop policies and procedures to improve and sustain a successful organization.”
Haley’s family is her main motivation for her career success.
“I want my daughters to live in an environment where there are no constraints to their achievements, and I hope they see their mother as a strong leader who supports their goals,” she says.
When she is not working full time or raising her family, Haley dedicates her time to giving back to her community. She is an active supporter of initiatives for veterans in West Virginia and across the country. She serves as a board member and program committee member for Operation Welcome Home in Morgantown and has worked with WVU’s Office of Global Affairs for the past two years to collaborate with Ukrainian female veterans through the Open World’s grant program.
Haley is a sought-after presenter and has been the guest speaker at several events at her alma mater. She also spoke at the Veterans Day Women of the Airborne wreath laying ceremony in Washington, D.C., in 2004 after returning from a combat deployment in Iraq, and a quote from her speech is on permanent display at the Women in Military Service for America Memorial.
“One of the Army’s core values is selfless service, which is at the forefront of my personal core values,” she says. “Serving West Virginia veterans is a combination of these values and my motivation and inspiration to serve the community.”
“If you’re going through hell, keep going.”
– Winston Churchill
1 Comment
Thank you for your past and current service. Young girls and women will be inspired by your story.