QUANTICO, Va. – The Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) announces the retirement of Director David M. Cattler, effective September 30, 2025.
 
As Director, Cattler leads the United States Government’s premier organization of approximately 15,000 federal and contract support personnel worldwide to deliver integrated security services including vetting, industrial engagement, counterintelligence support, and security training.
 
Under his leadership, the agency launched its 2025-2030 Strategic Plan, stabilized and reimagined the National Background Investigation Services (NBIS) acquisition program, and reinvigorated and strengthened across the U.S. government, Defense Industrial Base, and cleared academia. He will complete a major reorganization to position the Agency for future success in fiscal year 2026.
 
The agency’s leadership team and workforce are strong, and together they will continue to drive DCSA’s strategy and momentum forward.
 
The recent personal decision marks the end of a career of more than 35 years of military and civil service. A successor has not yet been named.