Former APL Directors

An institution is shaped by its leaders, and in the best of circumstances their influence moves that institution toward greater achievements and strengthens its foundation. But in more challenging circumstances, good leaders can become great leaders. Each of APL’s directors came at a critical time for the Laboratory, and history shows that when they stepped down, Johns Hopkins wisely chose the right person for the next era of challenges. Each director took his predecessor’s accomplishments and made APL an increasingly formidable division of the university. Each has made an indelible mark on APL and its national security mission.

Richard Roca

Richard Roca Former Director, 2000-2010

Learn more about Richard T. Roca
Gary Smith

Gary Smith Former Director, 1992-1999

Learn more about Gary Smith
Carl Bostrom

Carl Bostrom Former Director, 1980-1992

Learn more about Carl O. Bostrom
Alexander Kossiakoff

Alexander Kossiakoff Former Director, 1969-1980

Learn more about Alexander I. Kossiakoff
Ralph Gibson

Ralph Gibson Former Director, 1948-1969

Learn more about Ralph E. Gibson
Lawrence Hafstad

Lawrence Hafstad Former Director, 1946-1947

Learn more about Lawrence R. Hafstad
Merle Tuve

Merle Tuve Former Director, 1942-1946

Learn more about Merle A. Tuve

The above bios have been adapted from Worth, H. E., “The Visionary Directors of APL: Creating and Nurturing a National Resource,” Johns Hopkins APL Tech. Dig. 34(2), 333-348, 2018.

Critical Contributions to Critical Challenges

Defining Innovations