‘Dare mighty things’: DCSA director David Cattler retires after more than 35 years of federal service

Friends, family and national security officials gathered Sept. 24 at the U.S. Naval Academy’s Fluegel Alumni Center in Annapolis, Md., to mark the close of David M. Cattler’s more than 35 years in federal service and his tenure as director of the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency.

“Public service isn’t just something I’ve done,” Cattler said. “It’s part of who I am. And it’s part of my family.”

The program blended a formal decoration presentation with a military-style retirement ceremony adapted for a senior civilian. Elizabeth Yao of DCSA’s Personnel Vetting Adjudication and Vetting Services served as emcee, the U.S. Naval Academy Band performed, and Chaplain (Rear Adm.) Gregory Todd, Chief of Navy Chaplains, offered the invocation.

Classmate Arthur “Bootsie” Mbuthia (USNA ’93) recalled their shared path from Plebe Summer to leadership roles. “Don’t quit. Don’t give up the ship,” Mbuthia said. “And remember, nobody gets out of here alone.”

CIA Executive Director Dustin Gard-Weiss praised Cattler’s influence across the intelligence community: “You’ve shaped missions. You’ve inspired people. You’ve made us all better. And the nation is more secure because of you.”

Sue Gordon, former principal deputy director of national intelligence, sent video remarks highlighting his work at NATO: “…You needed to bring all the professionalism that you had earned and bring it to NATO at a time when the world was difficult and needed someone to organize it. That was hard. Dave Cattler left that position far better than he found it. He was revered by his leadership and he actually created something with whom allies and partners could interact, proving that grit and determination can transform even the most challenging roles into opportunities for growth and impact.”

Bradley Hansell delivered closing remarks and presented Cattler with the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security Medallion for Superior Service. “David is the kind of leader who always puts the mission first, challenges the status quo, and navigates complexity with grace. You leave this agency stronger than you found it—and that is the true test of leadership,” Hansell said.

Cattler, who led DCSA for 18 months, presided over a period of change, including a 30% reduction in the background investigation inventory, exceeding fiscal 2025 targets for on-site security reviews and Cyber Operational Readiness Assessments by 115% and 133%, modernization of the National Background Investigation Services, and strengthened counterintelligence efforts focused on the defense industrial base. He downplayed personal credit. “Leadership isn’t about being the smartest person in the room,” he said. “It’s about drawing the best out of others.”

The ceremony also focused on the toll and rewards of service at home. Paying tribute to his wife, he said: “Karen gave up a full scholarship to USC [University of Southern California] so we could be together in the same homeport. She made every place we lived a home. She raised our children and held everything else together.” To his children, Owen and Paige: “You are kind, thoughtful, and true to yourselves. There is no greater legacy.” He added a note of levity about the opacity of his work: “My family never quite figured out what I did for a living… and they weren’t alone.”

Cattler signaled he will remain engaged in national security beyond government service. “I won’t wear a government badge anymore—but I’ll keep doing what I’ve always done: helping protect the security and prosperity of our nation and our allies.” He said he plans to stay active with advisory work, think tanks and mentorship. “If I’ve succeeded in any way, it’s because I was coachable—even when I didn’t want to be.”

Addressing the broader workforce, he said: “You may not wear a uniform, but you defend the Republic. Carry that truth forward—with humility and with pride.”

He closed with a motto that has guided his career: “Dare mighty things.”