Power List – Human Resources Heroes – Scott Wallin

Nuclear research meets human innovation at Idaho National Laboratory, where Scott Wallin is transforming how the facility manages its most crucial resource: Its people.

Since taking the helm as director of HR business partners a year ago, Wallin has orchestrated a dramatic expansion of INL’s human resources capabilities, bringing nine new business partners on board. It’s a strategic move that’s paying dividends for the nation’s premier nuclear research facility.

“Effective talent management makes the lab more effective in its mission to change the world’s energy future and secure our critical infrastructure,” Wallin said. His team works across every department at INL, weaving workforce strategy into the fabric of the organization’s research goals.

The impact reaches far beyond the laboratory walls. With thousands of Idaho households connected to INL employment, Wallin’s work shapes communities across the state. His team has introduced data-driven workforce planning that not only strengthens research proposals but also helps regional colleges prepare Idaho’s next generation of scientists and researchers.

For Wallin, who holds a SHRM Senior Certified Professional certification, the path to nuclear research HR began at Los Alamos National Laboratory. That entry-level position sparked a passion for supporting mission-driven organizations that continues today at INL.

As INL celebrates its 75-year legacy, Wallin’s team explores new frontiers in HR, including artificial intelligence applications, while maintaining the human touch that keeps the laboratory at the cutting edge of energy research.

“The novel research and technology work we do at INL today will help sustain the livelihood of our grandchildren and their grandchildren,” he said.