David Keim

David Keim is the Communications Director at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), where he also serves as the Chief Communications Officer. He leads the Communications and Community Engagement Directorate, overseeing media relations, internal communications, creative services, and corporate giving initiatives by UT-Battelle, LLC, which operates ORNL. His team provides strategic support to laboratory leadership and ensures high-quality science communication across ORNL’s diverse research areas.13

Professional Background

Before joining ORNL in 2012, Keim held the position of Director of Public and Governmental Affairs at the Y-12 National Security Complex. He has a rich background in journalism, having worked as an editor and reporter for the Knoxville News Sentinel, where he created the Greater Knoxville Business Journal and received several awards for his work.1

Achievements

In 2017 and 2018, Keim led a design team that developed a new home for the American Museum of Science and Energy, earning the Secretary of Energy’s Achievement Award for this project. He is also actively involved in community service as a board member of various organizations, including the Oak Ridge Foundation and the American Museum of Science and Energy Foundation.12

Education

David Keim graduated with a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Ohio University’s Honors Tutorial College. He is also a graduate of Leadership Knoxville (2006) and the University of Tennessee Chancellor’s Associates (2010).1