Shared Accounts With CU Times: One-on-One With Navy Federal CEO Dietrich Kuhlmann
Just a few months into the job, the top executive at the nation’s largest CU shares exclusive details about its culture, future and more.
With $178 billion in assets, the Vienna, Va.-based Navy Federal Credit Union is the nation’s largest credit union by far. Due to its status in the industry, it’s often looked to as a benchmark for credit union financial performance trends – and, for better or for worse, is the subject of media reports more frequently than other financial cooperatives.
In this episode of Shared Accounts With CU Times, hosts Michael Ogden and Natasha Chilingerian talk one-on-one with Navy Federal’s new president/CEO, Dietrich Kuhlmann. Previously serving as COO for Navy Federal, Kuhlmann replaced Mary McDuffie, who served at the helm for five years and is now retired, on March 1, 2024. He also brings extensive military experience to the position, having retired from the United States Navy as a rear admiral in 2019 – a fitting background for the top executive at a financial institution with a military-focused membership base.
You’ll hear from Kuhlmann on the status of Navy Federal’s Overseas Military Banking Program, which has raised questions by some in the financial services world; his strategic priorities in his first few years as CEO; the credit union’s branch network and financial well-being initiatives; and what makes a great leader. You’ll also hear a bit about his life outside of work and a few fun facts about submarines, which were a major focus for Kuhlmann during his days in the service. Don’t miss this exclusive interview with one of today’s biggest names in the credit union movement!