Honoring 25 Years of Excellence 

October 16, 2025 | Tysons, VA

Join us for a milestone evening as we celebrate a quarter-century of the Certified Defense Financial Manager (CDFM) certification program—the gold standard in defense financial management. With over 14,000 certifications awarded, the CDFM affirms expertise, professionalism, and portability across government and private sectors. 

This gala is more than a celebration—it’s a tribute to the visionaries, trailblazers, and community of champions who shaped the CDFM legacy. Since its inception in 2000, the CDFM has stood as a beacon of ethical responsibility and fiscal excellence in support of national security. 

Grab your general admission tickets now!
For table information and reserved seating, please contact Daniel Litow – dlitow@sdfm.org

What to Expect

  • A Black-Tie Optional Evening at the stunning Capital One Hall Atrium in Tysons, VA 
  • Six Prestigious Awards honoring individuals and institutions whose contributions have defined the CDFM journey—including pioneers in healthcare leadership, academic excellence, and community impact 
  • Keynote Speaker offering forward-looking insights into the future of defense financial management 
  • Elegant Dinner & Networking with leaders from government, industry, and academia 

Learn more about sponsorship opportunities.

Download the Prospectus

Honoring Our Legacy 

We proudly recognize the people and organizations who have elevated the CDFM program over the past 25 years: 

  • Visionaries who launched and sustained the certification’s mission 
  • Institutions that championed academic and professional excellence 
  • Trailblazers in defense financial leadership 
  • Mentors and Community Builders who continue to inspire the next generation of CDFM professionals 

Thank you to our sponsors:

Why it Matters

This gala is the capstone of a year-long celebration filled with chapter-powered events, scholarship initiatives, and the continued evolution of the CDFM program. It’s a moment to reflect on our shared history, recognize the achievements that brought us here, and reignite our collective commitment to excellence in defense financial management.