Navy Federal names new chief operating officer

Vienna-based Navy Federal Credit Union has named a retired rear admiral to serve as chief operating officer.

Dietrich Kuhlmann took over from former COO Debbie Calder, who has retired, effective Monday. He will oversee the credit union’s operations and its 20,000 workers in service of its members. Kuhlmann joined Navy Federal in 2019 as head of branch operations and most recently served as its chief real estate lending officer. Before joining Navy Federal full time, Kuhlmann volunteered on the credit union’s board of directors from 2010 to 2012, serving on its membership and supervisory committees, according to a news release.

“Dietrich has a deep understanding of the financial needs of the military, veterans and their families,” said Navy Federal President and CEO Mary McDuffie. “He has demonstrated in his time at Navy Federal and throughout his remarkable career in the Navy that he is focused on the mission at-hand, serving our members and employees.”

Kuhlmann graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1983 and spent nearly three decades in the sea service as a submariner, though he also has a specialty in financial management. In addition to service on board five submarines, Kuhlmann commanded the USS Michigan twice. After his promotion to admiral, Kuhlmann commanded Submarine Group Nine, overseeing all submarine matters in the Pacific Northwest, from 2012 to 2014.

Kuhlmann’s naval service also included financial assignments at the Pentagon, including a role as programming division director for the chief of naval operations. In that role, he was responsible for an $800 billion, 5-year capital allocation process that included devising options to address readiness, personnel and force development challenges.

“At Navy Federal, we have truly made our members’ financial needs and well-being our mission,” said Kuhlmann. “From my time in the Navy to now at Navy Federal, I’m incredibly honored to continue a career in service of the entire military community.”

Navy Federal is the world’s largest credit union, serving more than 11 million members across the globe.