In Newport News, the work behind scientific discovery has a new leader with deep ties to Hampton Roads.

Kanama Bivins has been appointed associate laboratory director for business services at Jefferson Lab.

The position puts her in charge of financial and operational functions that help the laboratory carry out its research mission.

Her responsibilities include finance, procurement, budgeting and management of government-owned property.

For researchers, those decisions can shape how effectively ambitious plans become everyday work.

Bivins will report to the chief operating officer and help connect spending, purchasing and resource planning with laboratory priorities.

She sees the role as an opportunity to support many parts of the organization rather than one isolated department.

That perspective matters as Jefferson Lab looks toward a broader mission under a new operating contract.

Bivins brings more than 25 years of experience across finance, procurement, property management and institutional operations.

Most recently, she served as vice president and chief financial officer for the Norfolk Airport Authority.

There, she oversaw major capital financing efforts, adding a regional connection to her new post across Hampton Roads.

Her move from Norfolk to Newport News keeps that experience close to home while shifting its focus to science.

Earlier, Bivins held financial leadership positions at NASA’s Langley Research Center and later served as acting associate center director.

Her federal career also includes senior roles with military transportation and Navy commands, and she is an Air Force veteran.

Bivins holds a doctorate in strategic leadership, a master’s degree in business administration and a bachelor’s degree in business management.

She also serves on boards connected to financial services and science education in the region.

For Jefferson Lab, the Kanama Bivins appointment places an experienced regional executive behind decisions that rarely draw public attention.

Those decisions still matter: careful stewardship helps researchers get the resources they need and protects the public investment supporting their work.