Kathleen M. McGettigan Dean

07/18/1952 - 10/24/2025

Passed away peacefully on October 24, 2025, in Potomac, Maryland. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and public servant, Kathleen's life was marked by unwavering dedication to her family, her faith, and her country.
Born on July 18, 1952, in Flushing, Queens, New York, Kathleen was a cherished daughter of William (Bill) and Kathleen (Brennan) McGettigan. She pursued her education with drive and excellence, earning both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Business Administration from St. John's University in New York—an academic foundation that would support a remarkable career across both private enterprise and federal service.
Kathleen began her professional journey at Deloitte, Haskins & Sells, where she fondly recalls performing late-night audits as a Senior Accountant and meeting her husband, Gregory (Greg) Dean, on a shared project. Kathleen then moved to Morgan Stanley, where she served as Vice President and Divisional Controller and met lifelong friends. Her sharp intellect and financial acumen quickly distinguished her as a leader. However, it was in public service where she would leave an indelible mark.
For an extraordinary 30+ years, Kathleen served at the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM), where she held numerous senior leadership roles, including Chief Management Officer and Senior Advisor to the Director. She made history as the longest-serving Acting Director ever at OPM—a testament to her expertise, unwavering dedication, and resolute commitment to civil service.
Her trailblazing work and contributions to federal service were recognized with two of OPM's highest honors: the Director's Award for Distinguished Leadership and the OPM Medal for Meritorious Service. In recognition of her enduring impact on federal service, OPM established the Kathleen McGettigan Award for Excellence in her name—an honor that will continue to inspire future generations of public servants.
While Kathleen's professional accomplishments were extraordinary, it was her family that brought her the greatest joy. She shared 46 beautiful years of marriage with her husband, Greg. Together they raised two children: Matthew Dean and Elizabeth (Liz) Dean. Kathleen welcomed Matthew's spouse, Debbie (Williams) Dean, and Liz's spouse, Erin Randall, into the family with warmth and love. She cherished every moment with her grandchildren—Grady Dean, Esmeralda Dean, and Cade Dean-Randall—and she looked forward with joyful anticipation to the arrival of Baby Dean-Randall in November 2025. Kathleen found profound fulfillment in being "Gaga" to her grandchildren, a role she embraced with boundless love. She often said how lucky she felt to be married to Greg and how much happiness their children and grandchildren brought into their lives. Kathleen was deeply proud of every member of her family.
Kathleen loved to travel alongside Greg, and from 1979 to 2025, they explored six continents together. Whether visiting the pyramids in Egypt or tracing their heritage in Ireland, travel became a treasured tradition that extended to their children and grandchildren. One of their most cherished memories was a family vacation through the Canadian Rockies just last summer—a trip filled with laughter and connection across generations.
Furthermore, Kathleen shared an especially close bond with her sister Sheila Johnson, a relationship marked by deep affection and lifelong friendship. Sheila was more than a sister; she was also Kathleen's confidante and best friend through every chapter of life. Throughout both career and personal life, Kathleen formed lasting friendships that transcended workplace walls—from early colleagues at Morgan Stanley to longtime friends at OPM who became chosen family.
A woman of deep faith, Kathleen was a devout Catholic who found spiritual nourishment at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church in Potomac, Maryland, and at Saint John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Naples, Florida. Her faith was a guiding force throughout her life and offered profound comfort during her final days.
Her legacy is one etched in service—to country and community—but most enduringly to family. With grace and strength, she lived a life defined by purpose and love.
A visitation will be held at the Robert A. Pumphrey Funeral Home in Bethesda, Maryland on Friday, November 7 from 4 to 8 p.m. The funeral will be held at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church in Potomac, Maryland on Saturday, November 8 at 1:30 p.m. with a reception to follow. A private burial will take place on Sunday, November 9. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to either the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
May her memory bring comfort and inspiration to all who knew and loved her.
www.pumphreyfuneralhome.com