SDFM Awards 2026

Recognized for her exceptionally distinguished service and sustained contributions to the field of defense financial management. 

Recognized for his exceptionally distinguished service and sustained contributions to the field of defense financial management. 

LTC Wilke is an exemplary leader and a key member of the United States Property and Fiscal Office team. As Comptroller, he delivered exceptional performance across all phases of budget execution, achieving 99.7% execution of Operations and Maintenance and 100% execution of Military Personnel funding across more than $561 million in appropriations. 

Recognized for his exceptional leadership and outstanding contributions to the Armed Forces Comptroller journal. Mike has played a pivotal role in elevating the journal’s quality, relevance, and reach within our profession. His vision, editorial stewardship, and commitment to excellence have ensured that the Armed Forces Comptroller continues to serve as a trusted resource—one that informs, educates, and inspires financial managers across the defense community.​

Recognized for exceptional leadership and contributions to the Armed Forces Comptroller Journal. 

Recognized for exceptional leadership and contributions to the Armed Forces Comptroller Journal. 

Mr. Somich distinguished himself as the Aegis BMD Sea-Based Weapon Systems Operations and Maintenance Budget and Finance Manager. His exceptional resourcefulness, dedication, and ability to exceed expectations directly affected the warfighter’s readiness and effectiveness in real-world operational environments.​

Lt Col Stockdale’s exceptional leadership in overseeing $47.8B in acquisitions tangibly impacted national defense. His expert steering of Hanscom AFB’s financial services provided superior customer support metrics over a 7-state region, and budgetary efforts that modernized infrastructure, improved readiness, and far exceeded DOW goals, earning his team numerous accolades.​

Ms. Priddle provided critical civilian pay leadership, migrating 199 employees to ATAAPS for both AFRL/RW and the 96th Test Wing. She expertly managed a $60M budget, identified $1M for reallocation, and secured over $8M in accelerated reimbursements, significantly enhancing financial stability and inter-agency collaboration. ​

Che receives this award for his exceptional adaptability, collaboration, and initiative in delivering innovative, enterprise-level solutions. Through self-taught technical expertise, stake holder engagement, and automation of financial processes, he improved efficiency, strengthened workforce capability, and directly enhanced mission readiness across the NAVFAC Comptroller Enterprise.​

As an intern, Kuester delivered contributions equivalent to a seasoned professional. She demonstrated exceptional initiative and financial acumen by solving a $1.2M funding crisis, leading critical system transitions, and forging key partnerships, directly and profoundly impacting the AFRL mission. ​

Berk is a proactive, adaptable professional who excels in teamwork and takes initiative. Rapid mastery of new systems, clear communication, and leadership under pressure distinguish performance. A strong commitment to accuracy and supporting colleagues makes Berk a valuable asset who consistently contributes to mission success. ​

Tran demonstrated exceptional leadership by creating a New Hire Office that transformed the Defense Contract Audit Agency’s workforce development. Her program accelerated auditor proficiency from three years to one, improved audit efficiency, and achieved an estimated $11million in annual savings, significantly impacting the DOW’s fiscal oversight.​

LTC Cheguer demonstrated exceptional leadership and management of over $50M in Special Mission Funds and $200M in appropriated funds in support of Counter-ISIS missions. She expertly navigated a command merger amid 80% staff turnover, ensuring uninterrupted support to critical defeat-ISIS operations without capability loss, even during regional conflict.​

Dr. Miller spent last year triple-hatted as the Defense Health Agency’s Chief of Staff Business Support Office Chief, Resource Manager, and Supervisory Civilian Personnel and Human Resource lead. She achieved outstanding monetary and non-monetary savings, cost avoidance, and superior contributions as the longest-standing BSO in a most complex year. ​

Patrick’s innovative management of AF $21B portfolio delivered significant savings and process improvements. His leadership navigated fiscal challenges, securing $1.9B in reconciliation funds, leveraged $500M towards AF solvency, and funded $373M in program disconnects. Efforts enhanced mission readiness, optimized resource utilization, and bolstered AF financial integrity.​

Captain Cruz profoundly impacted DoW operations by connecting 60+ IT networks for 8,000 users and fielding secure F-35 VTCs. As acting CFO during the government shutdown, he ensured 100% on-time payments for 1,200 furloughed employees and maintained the operational status of 100+contracts. His efforts yielded $1B+ in future savings.​

Maj Howard delivered exceptional fiscal leadership across the Department of the Air Force, expertly managing billions in O&M resources, guiding commands through crisis, and safeguarding mission‑critical funding. Her actions strengthened readiness, improved infrastructure, and advanced modernization, leaving a profound enterprise‑wide impact on both mission execution and the Airmen she served.​

Piedramartel steers the ship for the DAF SAP portfolio valued at $100B across the FYDP. She is the focal point for Programming, Budgeting, and Execution for hundreds of programs. Specific accomplishments include pushing 100 funding realignments worth $1B, sourcing $20M for O&M solvency, and leading DAF internal SAP Reform efforts.​

Kindle led the largest DEAMS deployment in its 16-year history and transformed a monumental challenge into a resounding success. He spearheaded the roll-out of DEAMS and U.S. Treasury G-Invoicing, one of the DAF’s top priorities.​

Transforming Fiscal Year Closeout with Intelligent Automation 

Harnessing AI for Everyday Financial Management 

Chapters are recognized for achieving benchmark standards indicating a well-rounded chapter which supports the mission of the society and provides essential value to its members.  

• Aviation
• Buckeye
• Cleveland
• Indianapolis
• Redstone Huntsville
• Yankee
• Utah
• Tampa Bay
• Washington 

Chapters are recognized for organizing their members to volunteer a minimum number of hours helping others within their community. These chapters listed above have volunteered a combined total of over 2,800 hours during the past 12 months. 

• Aviation
• Buckeye
• Cleveland
• Indianapolis
• Redstone Huntsville
• Southside Virginia
• Tampa Bay
• Utah
• Washington
• Yankee