Barbara Humpton Steps into USA Rare Earth Leadership: What This Means for Critical Supply Chains

USA Rare Earth has tapped Barbara Humpton as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective October 1, 2025, marking a significant leadership transition for the rare earth minerals and magnets producer. Humpton, who previously led Siemens USA as President and CEO, assumes the role from Josh Ballard, who will transition to a consulting arrangement through the end of October.

Strategic Leadership from Industry Veteran

Humpton brings more than a decade of executive experience in managing large-scale, technology-intensive organizations. During her 14-year tenure at Siemens, she grew the division into one of North America’s most prominent industrial enterprises, generating over $20 billion in annual revenue. Her background spans government relations, critical infrastructure development, and national defense initiatives—areas directly aligned with USA Rare Earth’s mission.

Prior to her Siemens role, Humpton held leadership positions at Siemens Government Technologies, where she oversaw federal agency partnerships, and earlier served as a vice president at Booz Allen Hamilton and Lockheed Martin Corporation. Her board experience includes the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments, and the National Association of Manufacturers.

Why This Leadership Change Matters

According to Michael Blitzer, Chairman of USA Rare Earth, Humpton’s appointment arrives at a crucial juncture for the company. Her expertise in scaling industrial operations and navigating government partnerships positions her to advance USAR’s ambitious supply chain strategy. Blitzer emphasized that Humpton’s proven track record of organic growth and strategic acquisitions will be instrumental as the company expands its domestic rare earth capabilities.

USA Rare Earth’s Vision

USA Rare Earth is constructing one of the largest magnet production facilities outside China, supported by access to domestic heavy rare earth element deposits. The company is pursuing a vertically integrated mine-to-magnet approach, aiming to establish a fully domestic supply chain for sectors including defense, automotive, aerospace, AI robotics, medical technology, and consumer electronics.

Humpton expressed her commitment to the company’s transformative agenda, noting that securing a domestic rare earth supply chain represents a matter of national security and global stability. She plans to leverage USAR’s unique position and emerging infrastructure to establish the company as an industry leader.

Forward Path

The leadership transition underscores USA Rare Earth’s evolution from a development-stage enterprise to an operational force in critical materials production. With Humpton’s government and industrial expertise now steering the organization, USAR is positioned to accelerate its manufacturing timelines and market penetration across defense and commercial sectors.