Profiles in Leadership | APL Director Ralph Semmel

The Applied Physics Laboratory (APL)

• The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) is one of the nation’s leading research and development centers, dedicated to solving complex problems that enhance national security, advance space exploration, and improve healthcare.
• With over 9,500 staff members and an annual budget exceeding $2.5 billion, APL conducts cutting-edge research across a wide range of disciplines. The laboratory collaborates with government agencies, industry leaders, and academic institutions to develop innovative technologies and strategies that address global challenges.
• Renowned for its expertise in science, engineering, and technology, APL is a trusted partner in delivering mission-critical solutions and driving progress in areas of critical importance.

Ralph Semmel

• Ralph Semmel is the Director of the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL), a position he has held since 2010. Under his leadership, APL has expanded its role as a premier research and development center, addressing some of the world’s most complex challenges in national security, space exploration, and healthcare. Semmel oversees a team of over 9,500 staff and has guided the laboratory in advancing its technical capabilities and strategic partnerships with government and industry leaders.
• Prior to his role as director, Semmel held several senior leadership positions within APL, where he contributed to groundbreaking work in information systems, artificial intelligence, and systems engineering. He has also served as a trusted advisor on national defense and cybersecurity initiatives, earning recognition for his ability to bridge technical expertise with strategic vision.
• Semmel holds an undergraduate degree from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, a Master’s degree in computer science from Johns Hopkins University, and a Ph.D. in computer science from the University of Maryland. With a career marked by technical innovation and leadership excellence, Semmel continues to drive APL’s mission of delivering impactful solutions to global challenges.

Christine Fox

• Christine Fox is a senior fellow at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL), where she plays a pivotal role in shaping the organization’s strategy and policy. From 2014 to 2022, she served as the Assistant Director for Policy and Analysis, guiding APL’s efforts in national security and defense. Known for her strategic foresight, Fox has been instrumental in fostering innovation within high-stakes environments, emphasizing accountability and operational excellence. Her work has been integral to creating a culture that balances calculated risk-taking with the practicalities of delivering mission-critical solutions.
• Prior to her tenure at APL, Fox made history as the highest-ranking woman in the U.S. Department of Defense, serving as Acting Deputy Secretary of Defense. Her leadership philosophy includes advocating for “noble failure,” a framework that encourages innovation by differentiating between productive risk-taking and negligence. At APL, Fox continues to champion resilience, continuous learning, and a forward-thinking approach, ensuring the organization remains at the forefront of technological and strategic advancements.

• Integrity and Trust: Building a foundation of integrity to foster respectful debate and collective commitment.
• Empathy in Decision-Making: Using empathy to empower individuals most affected by organizational decisions.
• Structured Decision-Making: Applying formalized processes to evaluate alternatives and make impactful decisions.
• Accountability and Teamwork: Encouraging accountability and collaboration for greater organizational success.
• Leading Organizational Change: Effectively evolving an organization’s culture through goal-oriented innovation rather than direct cultural mandates.

• Understand Leadership Philosophies: Explore the principles of integrity, trust, empathy, and accountability in leadership.
• Develop Decision-Making Skills: Analyze the two-step decision-making process used at APL and how it ensures inclusive and effective organizational strategies.
• Promote a Culture of Innovation: Learn how focusing on goals rather than abstract cultural changes can inspire organizational evolution.
• Foster Accountability: Investigate the role of accountability in maintaining organizational standards while encouraging individual contribution.
• Empathy in Leadership: Examine how empathy shapes leadership decisions, ensuring those most affected by decisions have a voice.