To continue enjoying all the features of Navy Federal Online, please use a compatible browser. Confirm your browser capability.

VIENNA, Va. (February 28, 2022) – Navy Federal Credit Union, the world’s largest credit union, announced today that – effective February 28, 2022 – RADM Dietrich Kuhlmann USN (Ret.) has been named to the role of Chief Operating Officer (COO). 

He succeeds former COO Debbie Calder following her retirement after 30 years of service to Navy Federal.

Kuhlmann, who first joined Navy Federal in 2019 as head of Branch Operations before moving to his current position as Chief Real Estate Lending Officer, will now oversee the credit union’s operational functions and 20,000+ employee workforce in service of its members. He previously volunteered on Navy Federal’s Board of Directors from 2010-2012, where he served on the Membership Committee and Supervisory Committee before military orders relocated him outside the Greater Washington, D.C. area. 

"Dietrich has a deep understanding of the financial needs of the military, veterans and their families," said Mary McDuffie, president/CEO of Navy Federal. "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."

A member of the U.S. Naval Academy’s graduating class of 1983, Kuhlmann notably served as a career submariner with a sub-specialty in financial management. He completed 7 finance assignments at the Pentagon, the final of which was as Programming Division Director on the staff of the Chief of Naval Operations. In this role, Kuhlmann was responsible for the U.S. Navy’s $800 billion, 5-year capital allocation process, particularly the development of resource allocation options to address challenges facing critical readiness, personnel and force development.

“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.”

About Navy Federal Credit Union: Established in 1933 with only 7 members, Navy Federal now has the distinct honor of serving over 11 million members globally and is the world’s largest credit union. As a member-owned and not-for-profit organization, Navy Federal always puts the financial needs of its members first. Membership is open to all Department of Defense and Coast Guard Active Duty, veterans, civilian and contractor personnel, and their families. Navy Federal employs a workforce of over 20,000 and has a global network of 350 branches. For more information about Navy Federal Credit Union, visit navyfederal.org. Federally insured by NCUA. Equal Opportunity Employer.