As readers of Fermilab Today know, Director Mike Witherell recently communicated to the Fermilab community his intention to conclude his service as Director on June 30, 2005 at the end of six years. On the same day, Mike also conveyed that message to the Fermilab Board of Overseers at its regular October meeting.

Fred Bernthal, President, Universities Research Association, Inc.

On behalf of the entire BoO, we thank Mike for the intellectual and management leadership he has provided Fermilab to date, and that we know he will continue to provide for the duration of his tenure. The Board is grateful to Mike for communicating his intentions at this early juncture, so that we can carry out the timely recruitment of a new Director, while allowing ample time for overlap to ensure a smooth transition. Meanwhile, Mike has the full and strong support of the Board during this crucial and exciting period in Fermilab's quest for discovery in particle physics, and as he continues strategic planning for the laboratory's long-term future.

Some of you have inquired about the Director search process, and we realize that not everyone is familiar with our procedures. As in previous searches, the Board will constitute a Search Committee that fully represents the diverse international community of Fermilab employees and users. We expect soon to name a Chair for that Committee. The search will be "full field", with nominations and applications solicited by advertisement in national and international media, by letter to our 90 URA member universities, and by interviews with leaders in the fields of particle physics and astrophysics. The Search Committee will also schedule meetings to solicit guidance from Fermilab employees and users.

Don Hartill, Chair, Fermilab Board of Overseers and Trustee of URA

When the Search Committee completes its deliberations, it will present a short list of candidates, with supporting materials, to the full Board of Overseers. After interviews and further consultation, the BoO will then submit to the URA Board of Trustees the name of a nominee to be the next Director of Fermilab. In consultation with the BoO and the Secretary of Energy, and after meeting with the candidate, the Trustees appoint the new Director, as specified in the URA Bylaws. We cannot predict exactly how long it will take to conclude the search, but experience indicates that it may well take the better part of a year.

In the meantime, as its highest priority, Fermilab must address the very important challenge of maximizing the physics return from Collider Run II. The Board of Overseers will make every effort to assist Mike and the Laboratory to ensure that the resources and leadership are available to realize fully the discovery potential of Run II. We also want to take this opportunity to thank the entire community of Fermilab employees and users for the outstanding special effort you have all put forth in recent months to achieve this objective, and to help Director Witherell and Fermilab continue the tradition of the highest standard of excellence and world leadership in particle physics.

Don Hartill
Chair, Fermilab Board of Overseers and Trustee of URA

Fred Bernthal
President, Universities Research Association, Inc.