Leadership Through Service: NSWC Carderock Security Director Brings Military Values to Every Mission

Leadership Through Service: NSWC Carderock Security Director Brings Military Values to Every Mission

By By Brittny Odoms, NSWC Carderock Division Public Affairs

For Cory Hoffman, the new director of security at Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division, leadership begins with trust.

Since joining Carderock in April 2020 as deputy security director before assuming his current role as security director, Hoffman has focused on building a culture where employees are empowered to succeed.

"I'm here to not only lead, but support and mentor and guide the team to be successful," Hoffman said.

His leadership philosophy centers on giving employees the tools, training and support they need while holding them accountable through coaching rather than criticism.

"People do make mistakes," Hoffman said. "As a leader, your job is to identify those mistakes and give them the right information, training or expertise to make it right."

As security director, Hoffman oversees a wide range of security operations that keep the command running safely and effectively. His day is filled with meetings, coordinating with leadership, evaluating policies, identifying gaps and ensuring subject matter experts have the resources they need to accomplish the mission.

"A lot of it is collaboration and coordination," he said. "As a director, you're providing top cover and support to leadership on initiatives and objectives while ensuring your team has what they need to be successful."

That leadership style was shaped over more than two decades of military service.

Following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, Hoffman made a life-changing decision. Although he had earned a college basketball scholarship, he chose to leave school and enlist in the U.S. Air Force.

"Something in the back of my mind and heart said, 'You should join the military and serve your country,'" he said.

During nearly four years on active duty, Hoffman continued playing competitive basketball for the Air Force while pursuing his education. He later transitioned into the Air Force Reserve, ultimately retiring in November 2021.

Throughout his military career, Hoffman said he learned lessons that continue to influence how he leads today.

"The military really taught me how to earn respect, maintain integrity, be ethical, be fair and consistent, and ultimately how to be an effective leader," he said.

Those experiences carried into a civilian career that began with the U.S. Capitol Police in 2006. After more than a decade in federal law enforcement, Hoffman transitioned to the Department of the Navy's civilian workforce in 2017.

He served as lead security inspector before becoming deputy chief inspector, overseeing inspections across multiple Navy programs, including security, cybersecurity, human resources, finance and property management. Those assignments eventually led him to Carderock.

Ironically, Carderock had already made an impression on Hoffman years earlier.

"My first inspection was Carderock," he said. "I fell in love with the mission."

Today, he says the mission and the workforce remain his favorite aspects of the command.

"I always call this place a hidden secret because not a lot of people know about this installation," Hoffman said. "The mission and the people are what make it special."

Developing future leaders is another priority.

Hoffman regularly mentors employees interested in pursuing careers in security. He encourages them to gain hands-on experience by working alongside security professionals, complete training through the Center for Development of Security Excellence and earn professional certifications before applying for security positions.

"Start by understanding what the job is and what the people do," he said. "Then put education and training behind it. Eventually, it may lead to an opportunity."

His mentoring approach mirrors his overall leadership philosophy: invest in people first.

"I truly care about others' careers, not just my own," Hoffman said. "I'm all about mentoring people, guiding people and leading people."

Outside of work, Hoffman continues to prioritize health, family and community. A lifelong athlete, he enjoys staying active through fitness, skiing and recreational softball. He also spends much of his free time supporting his children, including celebrating his daughter's accomplishments as a three-time state champion cheerleader as she prepares to begin college.

Another familiar face around Carderock is Cassie, Hoffman's service dog, who has become a favorite among employees across the command.

"She's been a blessing," Hoffman said. "She can change the way you're thinking and feeling in a moment."

Whether mentoring employees, supporting leadership or walking through the halls with Cassie by his side, Hoffman remains committed to creating an environment where people feel supported and empowered to succeed.

"I truly believe leadership is about supporting your people," he said. "When you invest in them, they'll accomplish great things."