Kara Cardona has been appointed as the new Chief Operating Officer of Navy Federal Credit Union, effective March 1, 2024. She takes over from Dietrich Kuhlmann, who recently assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer after Mary McDuffie's retirement.
Cardona brings nearly 25 years of experience at Navy Federal to her new position. In the past three years, she served as Executive Vice President for Contact Center Operations and Greater Pensacola Operations, leading the credit union's largest business unit. She will now report directly to Kuhlmann from the headquarters in Vienna, Virginia.
“Kara has always been strongly aligned with our mission to serve our members,” stated Kuhlmann. “Her unique blend of people leadership, transformative thinking and operational acumen make her an ideal fit as our new COO.”
In her previous role, Cardona led a team that set records in call volume and won several awards for contact center operations. Her career also includes roles as Assistant Vice President for Projects and Analysis and Vice President in Branch Operations.
“When I joined the credit union as a part-time employee at our branch in Naval Station Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico, I completely fell in love with the culture and the mission of Navy Federal,” said Cardona. “I had no idea I would be where I am today, and it is such an honor to give back to our teams and members in this way.”
Mary McDuffie announced her retirement last September after serving as CEO since 2018. The search for her successor was conducted by Navy Federal’s Board of Directors over several months before appointing Kuhlmann.
“Given her extensive experience at Navy Federal Credit Union, Kara is deeply familiar with how our teams work together to provide what our members need – 24 hours a day, 365 days a year,” added Kuhlmann. “I congratulate her on this new opportunity, and I know she will be a tremendous asset in helping to ensure Navy Federal continues to meet our mission and serve our members worldwide.”
Navy Federal Credit Union was established in 1933 and now serves over 13 million members globally. It operates more than 355 branches worldwide.