Cullen began her shipbuilding career in 1985 as an environmental engineer and has held a number of positions of increasing responsibility, including radiological control deputy director, production refueling and nuclear support superintendent, and construction director. Prior to being appointed to her current position, she led the USS Enterprise (CVN 65) inactivation.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from California University of Pennsylvania and holds a master’s degree in engineering management from Florida Institute of Technology. Cullen is active in the community, serving on the board of directors at BayPort Credit Union and volunteering with Smithfield High School’s Athletic Association. She is also a member of the Parish Council at Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Smithfield, Va.