• Kessmeier was the Chief Diversity Officer of the Navy in 2021. She was responsible for: 

  • directing the implementation of diversity policies in contracts,
  • reviewing policies and conventions of naming Navy and Marine Corps assets to identify measures to improve diverse representation,
  • review of precepts for selection and assignment boards to remove potential barriers to diversity

  Kessmeier said:

  • “The Department of the Navy is committed to rooting out inequities that have sometimes kept that promise out of reach for underserved and underrepresented communities,” . . . We recognize the need to understand the barriers that face our workforce, and we need to ensure our policies and processes are constructed to support diversity, equity, and inclusion for every officer, Sailor, Marine and civilian. Advancing equity requires a systematic approach and the Strategic Planning Team will work to address inequities in DON policies and programs that serve as barriers to equal opportunity.”

  A Feb 2021 memo regarding requirements for Promotion Selection Boards

  • Kessmeier directed that “the Navy and joint force leadership need to comprise a diverse blend of male and female officers.”
  • Kessmeier wrote that the “best qualified officers seek opportunities to broaden their cultural awareness. . .”
  • Kessmeier said the Civil Engineer Corps must take actions “to improve inclusion and retention of a diverse workforce.”

Photo Source: U.S. Navy