The first principal deputy at the Blue Grass plant was selected for the position in November.

“I never thought in a million years I’d be working in chemical demilitarization,” said Karl Slaughenhaupt. “There is a lot to learn, a lot to do, a lot of places to be. I’m just really excited about it.”

In his new position, Slaugenhaupt is responsible for overseeing key aspects of the Blue Grass plant, which is destroying the chemical weapons stockpile stored at the Blue Grass Army Depot in Kentucky. He also supports the plant’s site project manager.

Before joining the Blue Grass team, Slaughenhaupt was the chief of operations for the U.S. Army Blue Grass Chemical Activity. During his tenure there he was responsible for overseeing the chemical stockpile maintenance program consisting of 523 tons of chemical warfare agent. He also supervised plans, training, emergency response, exercises and special chemical operations involving M55 VX and GB rocket separation and GB nerve agent sampling to support the testing and development of neutralization and destruction methods.

While Slaughenhaupt is optimistic about his new position, he said he understands the challenges of the project. He said the experience he brings with him from his time at the chemical activity, along with his 29-year career in the Army, will help him overcome any obstacles he may face.

“Everything, in my thinking, is a project that has to be managed,” Slaughenhaupt added. “You determine what outcomes you want, then you backwards plan, you manage people and resources to accomplish a series of tasks.”