Todd Samuel was appointed to the Richland City Council in January 2026 and represents Position 4. He brings more than three decades of leadership, engineering, and public-service experience to the Richland City Council.

Todd has over 23 years of organizational management experience and more than 30 years leading complex scientific, engineering, and technology-driven projects. He currently serves as a Research Group Manager at the Department of Energy’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, where he leads teams of scientists and engineers focused on building energy efficiency, performance assessment, and applied research. Throughout his career, Todd has built and managed large, multidisciplinary teams, overseen multiple research laboratories, and led projects valued more than $30 million.

Todd’s professional expertise includes project management, systems integration, technology commercialization, business development, and team leadership. His work has supported national priorities in energy, environmental stewardship, and national security, resulting in nationally recognized awards for technology development and patented technologies.

A graduate of Leadership Tri-Cities, Todd is deeply committed to public service and community involvement. He has served on the City of Richland Planning Commission and Code Enforcement Board.  He is currently serving as the Chairman of the Benton-Franklin Workforce Development Council and as Vice President of the Mid-Columbia Symphony Society. He has also taught as an adjunct faculty member at City University of Seattle’s School of Business Management for more than two decades.

Todd holds an MBA in Engineering and Technology Management and a bachelor’s degree in business administration.  He is a longtime resident of the Tri-Cities and is dedicated to applying his professional experience to thoughtful planning, responsible growth, and long-term community success in Richland.