PATUXENT RIVER, Md. — Tess Butner, the lead business financial manager for the F/A-18 and EA-18G Program Office (PMA-265), received the 2024 Department of the Navy Financial Management Contribution to Business Processes and Internal Controls individual award on June 18 at the Pentagon. The award recognizes her pivotal role in resolving a material weakness identified by Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) auditors, streamlining financial processes across multiple program offices.
Butner led the fiscal year 2024 audit walkthrough with NAVAIR auditors, presenting complex financial data with clarity and precision. Her efforts reduced auditing requirements and administrative burdens for 17 program offices under various Program Executive Officers (PEOs) and funding types. By addressing the material weakness, she enhanced the command’s financial management practices, saving time and resources.
“Beyond simply guiding this audit to a successful outcome, Tess consistently elevates the standard of financial management, safeguarding our resources and streamlining our operations across the command,” said Rear Adm. John Lemmon, Program Executive Officer for Tactical Aircraft Programs (PEO(T)). “This award highlights her dedication, leadership, and deep technical knowledge, which she consistently demonstrated throughout the audit process.”
Butner expressed gratitude for the recognition, emphasizing her commitment to her team and mission. “This recognition not only reflects the hard work and dedication I strive to bring every day but also motivates me to continue serving with integrity and excellence alongside my incredible team,” she said.
Her leadership established a command-wide process that eliminated the need for labor-intensive documentation packages, improving efficiency across NAVAIR’s financial operations. Butner’s ability to communicate complex concepts and foster collaboration was instrumental in transforming the audit into a cooperative success.
“Tess’s teamwork, communication and problem-solving skills transformed a potentially daunting process into a collaborative success for both the auditors and the NAVAIR team,” said Tamara Cobaugh, lead BFM for PEO(T).
Senior leaders commended Butner’s impact on NAVAIR’s audit posture and operational efficiency. Her work strengthened financial oversight while supporting the command’s mission to deliver combat-ready aircraft. The F/A-18 and EA-18G Program Office, part of PEO(T), sustains the F/A-18A-D Hornet, F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, and EA-18G Growler, critical assets for naval aviation.
“A sound financial posture is foundational to our ability to support, sustain and advance critical naval aviation capabilities,” said Capt. Michael Burks, PMA-265 program manager. “Tess’s efforts ensure we remain audit-ready while enabling our team to deliver combat-ready aircraft that meet the evolving needs of the fleet.”
Butner’s contributions extended beyond the audit, reinforcing NAVAIR’s long-term financial resilience. Her proactive approach addressed immediate weaknesses while establishing processes that enhance accuracy and accountability. The award underscores her role in advancing the command’s operational and financial objectives, ensuring resources are effectively allocated to support naval aviation programs.
The Department of the Navy’s annual award recognizes individuals who significantly improve financial management and internal controls. Butner’s recognition highlights her as a leader among NAVAIR’s financial professionals, setting a standard for excellence in fiscal stewardship.
