Major General Kimberly M. Colloton, who has served with distinction in the U.S. Army for over three decades, is retiring after an exemplary 33-year career, leaving a legacy of leadership, mentorship, and an unwavering dedication to the mission and the people she served with.
Colloton’s career has spanned a variety of roles of increasing responsibility and impact, culminating in her most recent position as the U.S. Army’s Deputy Chief of Engineers and USACE deputy commanding general.
As DCG, Colloton provided executive leadership and oversight of more than 38,000 employees and a $95 billion portfolio of programs and projects centered around the USACE mission: delivering engineering solutions, with our partners, to secure the nation, strengthen the economy and reduce disaster risk for Americans.
Throughout her service, she led numerous planning, engineering and construction projects and deployed in support of operations worldwide, including the Middle East and the Pacific regions, and held key leadership positions across USACE, including deputy commanding general for military and international operations, as well as commanding general of both the USACE South Pacific and Transatlantic Divisions.
Her leadership ensured the success of vital engineering missions in complex and challenging environments. Her operational experience is vast, with additional assignments including commander of the USACE Los Angeles and Albuquerque Districts, corps engineer for I Corps, and deputy commander of the 555th Engineer Brigade at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington.
In reflecting on her tenure, Colloton shared:
“My heart is full. I’ve gotten so much out of the last 33 years, from leading, working with and learning from incredible people along the way, and it’s definitely made me a better person. That’s why you always want to have a team with a diverse group of perspectives, skills and experiences.”
She continued, emphasizing the importance of relationships and teamwork in her military career:
“Along the way, from beginning to end, it’s about people, teams, and helping each other out. That’s why we stay and continue to serve, because of the people you get to work with, every single person here and every person I’ve served with in the past.”
Colloton’s educational background is as impressive as her career. A graduate of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute with a Bachelor of Architecture and Building Science, she also holds advanced degrees in Civil Engineering from Stanford University and National Resource Strategy from the Eisenhower School. Additionally, she completed a fellowship at the RAND Corporation’s Arroyo Center, demonstrating her continued commitment to learning and growth throughout her career.
While Colloton’s retirement signals the end of one chapter, her influence will undoubtedly continue to shape the future of USACE and the Army Corps of Engineers. She leaves behind a legacy of mentorship, excellence, and an enduring commitment to the service of the nation and its people.
“It’s just been an honor,” Colloton said. “I’m going to miss it, but I’m also excited for the next chapter.”
As she moves on to the next phase of her life, those who worked alongside Colloton will remember her not just for her accomplishments, but for her unwavering dedication to her teammates and the Army Engineer mission.
