After a national search, the Office for Research and Economic Development has named Michael Boyle the new executive director of research security and export controls, effective July 14.
Boyle’s appointment marks a significant step forward in strengthening UA’s internal infrastructure for secure research. As executive director, he will oversee University-wide research security and export control compliance programs. He will also assume the Facility Security Officer (FSO) role, supporting UA’s preparations for Facility Clearance Level (FCL) sponsorship. Boyle’s leadership will be critical in advancing the University’s compliance with NSPM-33, Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) requirements, and export control regulations (ITAR/EAR), as well as future programs with government entities.
Boyle comes to The University of Alabama from the Lockheed Martin facility in Troy, Alabama, where he oversaw the physical security team, compliance, and audit-related activities, and led crisis management, ensuring the safety and security of more than 700 employees and multiple on-site munitions and manufacturing spaces. Additionally, he managed programs aligned with defense industrial base security protocols for Department of Defense and international customers. Boyle previously served in the U.S. Army and the Alabama National Guard.
He holds a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice and law enforcement administration from Auburn University at Montgomery and a Juris Doctor from Faulkner University.