Pete Genzer
Manager, Media & Communications Office; Deputy Director, Stakeholders Relations Office

Brookhaven National Laboratory
Stakeholders Relations Office
Bldg. 101, Room 311
P.O. Box 5000
Upton, NY 11973-5000
(631) 344-3174
genzer@bnl.gov
With more than three decades of experience as a communications strategist, Pete leads Brookhaven Lab’s efforts to elevate its scientific profile, strengthen stakeholder trust, develop and implement strategic communication and engagement programs, and manage reputational risks. In his role as Manager of the Media & Communications Office, he's responsible for internal and external communications (including traditional and social media), media relations, and creative resources. He manages a team of communications specialists (internal and external) and creative staff who design and execute global public relations, internal communications, and promotional campaigns to amplify Brookhaven’s science and mission.
Pete develops and implements strategic communications plans grounded in industry best practices, aligned with the Lab’s operational and science priorities. He provides informed, results-oriented counsel to senior leadership on institutional messaging. He also supports Brookhaven’s government relations efforts—working with Congressional offices and federal or state agencies to coordinate outreach and publicity efforts, along with commmunity engagement and educational programs strategy and activities.
As the Lab’s central conduit for media relations, Pete serves as the official spokesperson and point of contact between Brookhaven and media outlets domestically and internationally. He oversees internal communications and engagement with employees, facility users, and on-site residents. In collaboration with senior leadership, he addresses issues and helps inform institutional decision-making. Over the years, he has cultivated strong relationships with the Department of Energy (DOE) Brookhaven Site Office, the DOE Office of Science, and the Lab’s managing organization, Brookhaven Science Associates. He has also served as lead public information officer during emergency or crisis events (such as Hurricane Sandy and regional wildfires).
Expertise | Education | Appointments | Awards
Expertise
- Strategic communications planning and execution, especially for large scientific institutions
- Media relations, reputation management, crisis and risk communications
- Internal communications/engagement and change communications
- Government relations and outreach in the federal/state context
- Stakeholder mapping and community engagement
- Message development, framing, and storytelling about science and operations
- Coordination across communications, production, advertising, and digital media teams
- Acting as institutional spokesperson, including during emergency response events
Education
M.A., Public Policy, Stony Brook University
B.A., Journalism, SUNY New Paltz
Before joining Brookhaven Lab, Pete worked as a reporter for the Times Beacon Record newspapers (1994–1996). He joined Brookhaven in 1996 as a community relations coordinator for its environmental cleanup group, rising through roles including assistant media specialist, senior public affairs representative, principal media & communications specialist, internal communications manager, and assistant manager, Media & Communications Office.
Professional Appointments
- Member of the National Lab Chief Communications Officers group (2009-present)
- Chair of the Interactions Collaboration (2018-present), a group created in 2001 to promote global particle physics research
Awards & Recognition
- Brookhaven Award (2020) — recognized for outstanding contributions in support functions; noted as the “go-to communications expert” for Lab leadership and staff.
- Battelle Laboratory Operations Leadership Academy graduate (2016)
- Brookhaven Lab Spotlight Awards — 1999, 2005, 2006, for exceptional job performance.
- New York Press Association “Rookie Reporter of the Year” award (1994)

Brookhaven National Laboratory
Stakeholders Relations Office
Bldg. 101, Room 311
P.O. Box 5000
Upton, NY 11973-5000
(631) 344-3174
genzer@bnl.gov