Jaime Shimek

Jaime Shimek is the Executive Director of Communications and External Engagement. In this role, she stewards and integrates strategy development and execution for external engagements and communications to connect PNNL’s transformative research and leadership to the outside world and staff at PNNL. Jaime is a seasoned strategic leader who oversees PNNL’s key relationships across all levels of government, the communities in which PNNL works, as well as their many stakeholders.

The Communications and External Engagement team is driven by the belief that extraordinary science and technology, coupled with a passion for excellence in strategic outreach and communications, can make the world more secure and prosperous, the communities economically vibrant, and the future workforce stronger.

Prior to her current role, Jaime served as the Majority Clerk for the House Appropriations Energy and Water Development Subcommittee. She oversaw $55 billion in federal investments in the Energy and Water Development appropriations bill, which funds the Department of Energy, Army Corps of Engineers, and related agencies. She led efforts annually to enact this legislation while managing Congressional relationships and a team of professional staff.

Jaime previously served as the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Senate Affairs at the Department of Energy. She provided strategic advice to the Secretary and departmental leadership, managed the Department’s relationships with the Senate, and shaped departmental programmatic policy and activities. She also served as a Senior Policy Advisor to Senator Patty Murray and began her career with U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell.

As a native of Eastern Washington, Jaime holds a Master’s degree in Government from Johns Hopkins University and a Bachelor’s degree in Communications from Washington State University.