FORT LEE, Va. - Diana Graff may be new to Defense Contract Management Agency, however, she brings nearly three decades of professional savvy and practical knowledge to the Office of Independent Assessment as its new executive director.
And, in the truest spirit of ‘serving those who serve,’ she touts a keen mantra exemplifying why we should always operate at the highest levels of professional commitment and integrity: “It’s all about the warfighter.”
Previously, Graff served as the Director of Strategic Planning for the Defense Commissary Agency. She has 25 years of auditing experience and 28 years of total government service. Prior to DeCA, she also worked with the U.S. Army Audit Agency for 19 years in a variety of positions, where she served as the program director for Policy and Audit Support Division with responsibility for audit policy, follow-up and quality assurance Army-wide.
Her overarching principle in government auditing is that “the strength in the process is tying it back to the warfighter, no matter what the activity. We can’t afford to get it wrong, and everyone has a piece of that responsibility in looking out for our warfighter’s best interests.”
As DCMA’s OIA chief, Graff is responsible for assessing agency-wide operations, performance, administrative processes and internal controls. This includes conducting compliance and performance-focused mission reviews of operational processes throughout the agency, control-focused internal review audits directed by the agency director, and investigations of suspected fraud and other criminal activities.
“I am excited and honored for the opportunity to lead the Office of Independent Assessment in its continued journey in making a difference in DCMA,” said Graff. “I would be remiss if I didn't thank Fred Kuhm, not only for making my transition easy, but for building the foundation that has made OIA such a valued member of DCMA.”
Kuhm formerly spearheaded OIA operations as its executive director, and is currently the DCMA International acting commander.
Graff’s OIA staff of 29 makes up what she refers to as the “three pillars” of OIA: the internal review team, mission review technical and contract teams, and investigative staff.
Her employees are stationed in 13 of the 50 U.S. states, and are technical and business specialists acting as Mission Review Team examiners, auditors conducting internal reviews and criminal investigators.
“I thoroughly enjoy working with the dedicated staff of OIA,” said Graff. “I have met the entire staff, either virtually or in person, and I can't say enough about the well-trained, professional group of folks who are dedicated to not only their respective missions, but also to DCMA's mission and vision.”