Chapter Leadership

This award is presented for outstanding and continuous leadership, accomplishment and support of the Society at the SDFM chapter level. This may include impact on chapter programs, such as chapter membership and CDFM growth, professional development of members, participation in community support activities, and other areas. Congratulations to our winners!

Laura Oliver
Redstone – Huntsville Chapter

Laura Oliver, a contractor with BDO USA, has demonstrated exceptional dedication and service to the Redstone/Huntsville Chapter. Her efforts have been instrumental in supporting the chapter’s Mini-PDI, scholarship programs, and community initiatives. Excellence is achieved through exceptional individuals—Laura is one of those individuals. She currently serves as a chapter officer and correspondence secretary, a role that demands accuracy, consistency, and leadership. Laura has exceeded expectations, managing communications, coordinating board meetings, capturing minutes, and ensuring timely outreach to members. Her professionalism and reliability set a standard for others to follow.

Laura played a key role in the success of the 2025 two-day Mini Professional Development Institute, coordinating corporate sponsorships, managing registration, and overseeing event logistics. She also supports CDFM training and exam preparation, contributing her time and knowledge to help others succeed.

Beyond her formal duties, Laura actively participates in community projects, including the Special Olympics. She is a consistent and positive presence in the chapter, known for her selflessness, initiative, and leadership. Laura Oliver’s contributions have made a lasting impact. Her leadership, commitment, and service exemplify the values of the Society of Defense Financial Management and have significantly strengthened the chapter’s success and reputation.

Wayne Whiten, CDFM
Washington Chapter

Wayne Whiten has provided over 15 years of outstanding volunteer service to the Washington Chapter as Webmaster, Registration Chair, and Website Chairperson. His leadership has driven innovation, growth, and operational excellence.

He led the website’s transition to a new platform, launched the chapter’s first mobile app, and ensured smooth virtual operations before and after COVID-19. He implemented social media, maintained all communications, and created systems for CPE certificates and attendance tracking. Wayne has managed registration for more than 1,500 attendees annually, processing all transactions securely with no accounts receivable for 22 straight years. He also advised local chapters on best practices in registration, CPE processes, and payment systems, and played a role in revitalizing the Mount Vernon Chapter.

Under his leadership, a volunteer team supported technical upgrades, virtual pivots, and major events such as the Washington Chapter Mini PDI. His efforts have supported year-round professional development and helped chapter events grow steadily.

Laura R. Leone
Yankee Chapter

Laura Leone has been a vital contributor to the chapter since the start of her Air Force civil service career in financial management. Since joining the chapter’s executive committee in 2020, she has served as membership chair while also taking roles in event coordination, fundraising and chapter programming. Her proactive approach and versatility have made her indispensable to chapter operations.

Laura has led more than 10 fundraising initiatives in partnerships with local organizations and Hanscom Air Force Base. She works closely with the community service chair to promote volunteer participation at more than 17 philanthropic events, including organizing a base-wide cleanup attended by chapter members—solidifying the chapter’s role as a community service leader.

She developed the chapter’s Certified Defense Financial Manager textbook rental program and plays a key role in Junior Force mentorship efforts. She also oversees the chapter’s officer election process.

Her innovative membership campaigns, including social media outreach, raffles and website-based engagement—have directly led to new member signups and sustained interest. Notably, she expanded the chapter’s reach by recruiting members from outside Hanscom, including Coast Guard, Navy and National Guard personnel—an important achievement for a small chapter. A standout initiative includes her partnership with Hanscom Air Force Base Human Resources to integrate SDFM into new employee orientation. She briefs the organization’s mission and the benefits of membership, connects newcomers with resources for Department of Defense financial management certification, and provides continued support that often leads to membership conversion. She has reached more than 120 new employees through this effort.

Frank DiMora
Forty-Niner Chapter

Frank DiMora is recognized for his exceptional leadership in revitalizing the 49er chapter. Under his guidance, the chapter was successfully re-organized, with Frank taking on a multifaceted role that included planning and executing events, overseeing all communications, and managing the chapter’s finances, all through the association name change and re-brand.  His leadership was marked by clear vision, unwavering commitment, and the ability to inspire others to engage and become active leadership and members.

Frank ensured the chapter not only regained momentum but also set a strong foundation for future growth. His dedication and strategic approach made a lasting impact, and they exemplify the qualities of a true leader—resourceful, collaborative, and forward-thinking.