Remembering Lab Controller Paul Flynn

Paul Flynn, the Lab’s Controller, passed away on December 3, 2019, from colon cancer that had metastasized to the lungs and bone. Paul had been Acting Controller since June 2017 and had just been named Controller in March 2019.

Paul came to the Lab December 1, 2010, after over a decade in the corporate world, to join the Office of the Chief Financial Officer as the Disbursements Manager. Paul was very excited to support and enable the critical research work performed here at the Laboratory. During his nine years at the Lab, Paul played a leadership role in delivering a wide variety of financial services to the Lab including accounts payable, payroll, travel reimbursement, conference services, financial accounting, and compliance. He was instrumental in transforming the way financial services were delivered. His work provided the Lab with enhancements in fiscal policies, processes, and automated systems that significantly impacted the efficiency and effectiveness of the Laboratory’s financial operations.

Co-workers describe Paul as the most positive team member. Whatever the problem, the answer was always, “How can I help?”. Paul was known as the ambassador of the Controller’s Office. If a stakeholder was unhappy, Paul was a great listener who would sort things out and leave everyone feeling better about the situation. And while Paul took his role very seriously, he brought much fun to the job, including the annual selection of a theme song for the year-end close.

Paul’s co-workers say that although he was committed to the job, he was even more committed to his family. He is survived by his wife, Whitney, children Aaron, Devin, Sydney, and Charlotte, his parents, Charlotte and Bill Flynn, and his siblings, Laurel Flynn and Joel Flynn. His family is planning a private memorial service.