Scholars Colloquium

Steven Samuels
Senior Manager
Sandia National Laboratories

Steven Samuels, a proud 2001 graduate of Lubbock Christian University and Texas Tech University, earned a BA in Engineering and BS in Civil Engineering while enrolled in LCU’s dual degree program.  Steven then went on to earn a MS in Civil Engineering from TTU in 2003.  After 4 years of structural engineering experience, he earned his professional engineering (PE) license in 2006.  In his career, Steven served in many deep technical and leadership roles including software development, structural engineering, and high energy/high consequence designs, experiments, and programs with National Security implications. He currently serves as a Senior Manager for Sandia National Laboratories where he leads a large diverse team of individuals to solve complex national security problems. Steven’s most proud role is being a husband to Krissi and a father to three daughters, Kloe, Kadence, and Braya.

As Steven’s career began to shift away from deep technical issues and towards senior leadership, he experienced a crucible moment with the adoption of a daughter.  During this experience the necessity of heart leadership balanced with head leadership smacked him right in the face; something he never previously deeply considered. He shifted from primarily head leadership to a balanced approach of head and heart. He has first-hand witnessed the power and effectiveness of this balanced head and heart approach to leading and building highly effective teams where everyone is valued. He is eager to share his perspective and experiences with others.