A domino of leadership changes is in the works at the Hanford site.

John Eschenberg, president of Central Plateau Cleanup Company, or CPCCo, a prime Hanford contractor, announced that he’ll depart at the end of July.

And the president of another prime contractor, Hanford Mission Integration Solutions, or HMIS, has been tapped to take his place. Bob Wilkinson was set to come on board July 8, with the full leadership transition expected to be wrapped up by the end of the month.

“Bob’s 32 years of Hanford experience include advancing key mission objectives, deep experience as a leader on multiple contracts, and notable successes engaging labor organizations and stakeholders,” Eschenberg said in a statement. “I have every confidence that Bob’s extensive experience and leadership will guide CPCCo to continued success.”

Wilkinson said he was excited about the new role and proud of the work HMIS has done.

“This team is delivering on enabling and executing the mission and demonstrates its enormous capabilities every day,” he said in a statement. “I struggle with words to describe how impressed I am with this team and know that you will continue to be impressive, and I look forward to watching HMIS demonstrate that each day.”

A familiar face at HMIS is stepping into Wilkinson’s shoes. Amy Basche, who’s been the chief operations officer during the contractor’s entire tenure, is taking over as president.

“Amy has more than 30 years of experience at Hanford and has held several executive positions for numerous years. She has a vast amount of knowledge and experience in all phases of Hanford activities,” Wilkinson said in his statement.

Meanwhile, Todd Synoground, vice president of infrastructure and site services for HMIS, is stepping up as the acting chief operations officer.

Eschenberg didn’t detail his next step but said he’ll be taking on an assignment with Amentum, a lead CPCCo owner, and “an announcement will be forthcoming in the next several weeks and will be reflective of my continued interests in helping to solve some of our country’s most pressing issues related to national security, energy and the environment.” He added that this opportunity “will allow me to continue contributing to our industry and building upon the strong foundation we have established together.”

Eschenberg has been a leader at the Hanford site north of Richland for 6 ½ years, including as chief executive officer of contractor Washington River Protection Solutions and then as the leader of CPCCo, which is in charge of cleanup of the Central Plateau.

“It has been my great honor to lead this remarkable team through some of the most challenging and impactful cleanup efforts at Hanford. Together, we have made substantial progress achieving our VISION2028 objectives to reduce site risk and advance our cleanup mission. Reflecting on our journey, I am particularly proud of our ‘Mission First – People Always’ initiatives that prioritized the safety, growth, and well-being of our workforce, while enhancing our overall value proposition to the American taxpayers,” he said.

He pointed to milestones during his time at the site, such as placement of the first concrete at the Waste Treatment & Immobilization Plant, “topping-out” structural steel at the Low-Activity Waste Facility, startup of the Tank-Side Cesium Removal system and cocooning the K-East Reactor.

“Working alongside some of our industry’s most talented men and women to accomplish these goals has been a highlight of my career,” he said.

He also pointed to good done in the community through donations to educational institutions and nonprofits. CPCCo, for example, is donating $350,000 over 10 years to the planetarium at Columbia Basin College in Pasco.

Eschenberg said he leaves with “a profound sense of accomplishment and optimism for CPCCo’s future,” adding that, “the challenges ahead are significant, and I am confident that under Bob’s leadership, our workforce will continue this journey, marked by incredible teamwork and a shared vision of safe mission delivery.”