Johns Hopkins APL Director Semmel Receives 2024 Icon Honor From Daily Record

The Maryland Daily Record has selected Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) Director Ralph Semmel as a 2024 Icon Honors recipient.

Icon Honors celebrate Maryland business leaders over the age of 60 for their notable success and strong leadership within and outside their chosen fields. Honorees are recognized for advancing their industries while making a lasting impact in the community through mentoring and service. Michael D. Hankin, president and CEO of Brown Advisory and former chair of the APL Board of Managers, was also named as one of the 29 recipients.

Semmel has served as the director of APL since 2010, overseeing its strategic direction and leading a staff of more than 9,700 as they undertake complex research and development programs and deliver game-changing innovations focused on the most critical challenges facing the U.S. His leadership has led to many important contributions to national priorities, including air and missile defense, artificial intelligence and autonomy, cybersecurity, hypersonics, global health and pandemic response, space science and exploration, and surface and undersea naval platforms and systems.

“It is an honor to be in the company of these other distinguished Maryland leaders, but this award is actually a testament to the amazing staff at APL,” Semmel said. “It has been such a privilege to lead and enable our teams as they work to solve some of the nation’s hardest technical challenges. It is also incredibly rewarding to see the amazing talent and potential in each new generation as they explore new frontiers and push beyond what was thought to be possible.”

Under Semmel’s leadership, APL has pushed the boundaries of science and technology for national security, contributing not only to the growth of APL but also to Maryland’s reputation as a leader in technological innovation. He has served on numerous national security technology boards and committees, including the Defense Science Board. Semmel has also fostered a deep culture of mentorship within the Laboratory, and established a vibrant science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) program that serves close to 3,000 students each year. Semmel announced earlier this summer that he will step down from his role in July 2025.

To be eligible for Icon Honors, individuals must demonstrate a long-standing commitment to the Maryland business community, sustained community service and mentorship. Honorees may be retired or active in the workforce and must have held senior management positions with significant decision-making authority.

The awardees will be celebrated on Dec. 9 at The Center Club in Baltimore. A complete list of winners and more information about the event is available on The Daily Record website.