The Hertz Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing American scientific and technological leadership, today mourns the sudden and unexpected passing of Hertz Fellow William Evans, a valued member of our Board of Directors and a deeply respected leader in the national security and scientific research communities.
Evans joined the Hertz Foundation Board in 2023, bringing with him a rare combination of scientific rigor, institutional wisdom and quiet generosity of spirit. A Hertz Fellow from the class of 1987, Evans exemplified the values of the Hertz Foundation throughout his career—intellectual excellence, service to the nation and a deep commitment to supporting the next generation of scientific leaders.
At the time of his passing, Evans served as Physics Division Leader in the Physical and Life Sciences Directorate at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), where he worked for more than 30 years. His research spanned the physics and chemistry of materials under extreme conditions, and his leadership played a vital role in advancing the Laboratory’s mission in support of U.S. security and global stability.
“Will understood the responsibility that comes with scientific leadership and was deeply committed to ensuring that the nation continues to cultivate talent capable of addressing its most complex challenges. We are profoundly grateful for his service and friendship.”
“Will brought extraordinary thoughtfulness and integrity to everything he did,” said Stephen Fantone, Chair of the Hertz Foundation Board. “He understood the responsibility that comes with scientific leadership and was deeply committed to ensuring that the nation continues to cultivate talent capable of addressing its most complex challenges. We are profoundly grateful for his service and friendship.”
Evans was instrumental in launching a partnership between the Hertz Foundation and LLNL that enables up to 5 Hertz Fellows to participate in LLNL’s annual National Labs Entrepreneurship Academy. The program equips scientific researchers with the tools to translate their ideas into real-world impact—an outcome Evans believed was essential to strengthening both national security and innovation. His vision helped ensure that Hertz Fellows could access entrepreneurial training that complements their technical excellence.
“Will demonstrated what it means to be a Hertz Fellow across a lifetime,” said Wendy Connors, President of the Hertz Foundation. “He had a sense of responsibility to give back, to open doors, and to invest in others. His influence will continue to be felt through the programs he helped build and the people he inspired.”
“Will demonstrated what it means to be a Hertz Fellow across a lifetime. His influence will continue to be felt through the programs he helped build and the people he inspired.”
Wendy Connors
Those who wish to honor Evans’ memory may make a gift to the Hertz Foundation in his name. Contributions will support the Hertz Foundation’s partnership with LLNL, expanding access for Hertz Fellows to the National Labs Entrepreneurship Academy and honoring Evans’ commitment to empowering scientists to transform bold ideas into meaningful impact.
Evans will be remembered not only for his scientific achievements, but for his humility, steadiness, and unwavering belief in the power of people—supported at the right moment—to change the future.
Will is survived by his wife, Radawn, and two children, adult son William A. and teen daughter Milan.
About the Hertz Foundation
The Hertz Foundation is the nation’s preeminent nonprofit organization committed to advancing American scientific and technological leadership. For more than 60 years, it has stood as an unwavering pillar of independent support through the renowned Hertz Fellowship, cultivating a multidisciplinary network of innovators whose work has positively impacted millions of lives. Learn more at hertzfoundation.org.
