The Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) announced that Director David M. Cattler will retire effective September 30, 2025, marking the close of an extraordinary career spanning more than 35 years of military and civil service. Cattler’s departure comes at a pivotal moment for DCSA as the agency continues to evolve its mission and shape the future of personnel vetting, industrial security, and counterintelligence.
As Director of DCSA, Cattler has overseen the United States Government’s premier organization dedicated to delivering integrated security services. With approximately 15,000 federal and contract support personnel deployed worldwide, DCSA’s reach is vast — providing the backbone for the trusted workforce that supports our national security. Under Cattler’s leadership, the agency expanded its impact across vetting, industrial engagement, counterintelligence, and security training, reinforcing its role as a critical partner to the Defense Industrial Base and cleared community.
One of Cattler’s most significant accomplishments has been guiding the launch of the agency’s ambitious 2025-2030 Strategic Plan. This roadmap charts a clear path for the next era of security, addressing emerging threats and equipping the workforce with modern tools to tackle complex challenges. ClearanceJobs has covered how this forward-looking plan focuses on strengthening partnerships, integrating technology responsibly, and ensuring that security professionals are empowered to detect and deter threats in an increasingly dynamic threat environment.
Another major milestone during Cattler’s tenure was the stabilization and reimagining of the National Background Investigation Services (NBIS) program. Plagued by delays and scope challenges, NBIS is positioned to become the federal government’s trusted IT system for end-to-end background investigation processing. ClearanceJobs has tracked this development closely, highlighting how modernizing the vetting process and reducing the background investigation backlog have been top priorities for industry and government alike. Cattler’s steady leadership helped restore confidence in the program’s future from stakeholders including Congress and the Government Accountability Office.
Beyond these structural improvements, Cattler championed collaboration across the security ecosystem — forging stronger ties between DCSA and partners in the Department of Defense, the Intelligence Community, and cleared contractors nationwide. He is credited with reinvigorating DCSA’s role as a proactive counterintelligence force, focusing not only on vetting but on supporting the security of sensitive technologies and classified information at every point in the supply chain. His commitment to education and training has also strengthened the capacity of thousands of security professionals working in cleared facilities across the country.
Director Cattler’s retirement will conclude a distinguished era defined by thoughtful modernization, organizational resilience, and unwavering dedication to mission success. A major reorganization planned under his guidance will be completed in fiscal year 2026, positioning DCSA to meet new demands in an evolving threat landscape. While a successor has not yet been named, the agency’s leadership team and dedicated workforce are well-prepared to carry the momentum forward.
As the cleared community looks ahead, Cattler’s legacy serves as a reminder that strong leadership, strategic vision, and genuine collaboration are essential to protecting our nation’s most sensitive assets — and the people who guard them.
