The Society of Defense Financial Management (SDFM) is proud to unveil the rebranding of its flagship event, formerly known as the Professional Development Institute (PDI), to the Defense Financial Management Institute (DFMI).

The DFMI event series introduces a refreshed experience with new branding, targeted sessions, and expanded networking opportunities. These updates are designed to meet the evolving needs of defense financial managers and foster deeper engagement across the community. There will be multiple DFMIs held throughout the year and will be tailored to today’s defense financial challenges.

SDFM remains committed to delivering top-tier professional development. Attendees will continue to earn training credits (CPEs/CLPs/CETs) and connect with thought leaders, ensuring that career-long learning and expertise remain central to every event.

Of course, the Yankee Chapter will continue to provide updates on all SDFM National endeavors and we strongly encourage attendance at DFMI events, just as we proudly represented at PDIs! These are outstanding training events for all members of the financial management workforce and will open your eyes to new concepts, tools, and people who can make an impact in your careers.

The first DFMI event will be held in Huntsville, AL on Feb 24-25, 2026. Registration will open on Dec 1, 2025. The second DFMI event is scheduled for Orlando, FL in late May 2026. Stay tuned for details!

Helpful links
DFMI Huntsville 2026 Information: https://sdfm.org/event/dfmi-huntsville/
SDFM National events calendar: https://sdfm.org/professional-development/events/

On 20 Aug 2025, the Society of Defense Financial Management Yankee Chapter, headquartered at Hanscom AFB, hosted their first Mini PDI event since the COVID-19 pandemic. This event provided over 80 attendees the opportunity to attend sessions related to Defense Financial Management, Budget, Cost Estimating, Artificial Intelligence, Federal Benefits, Revolutionary Technology Products, Introduction to Contracting, and more. A special thank you to our speakers and volunteers for helping us make this event a huge success!

28 May 2025 ||| 0800-1600

Advancing Defense Financial Management in a Time of Change

Don’t miss this opportunity to expand your knowledge, enhance your career, and engage with the defense financial management community – all from the comfort of your home or office! As the Department of Defense navigates an era of budgetary constraints, modernization efforts, and global strategic competition, financial management professionals play a critical role in driving efficiency, accountability, and mission success. Digital PDI 2025 will explore key initiatives shaping the future.

REGISTER HERE: https://sdfm.org/professional-development/professional-development-institute/

Special Note: This event is FREE for SDFM Members!!!

Congratulations to two Yankee Chapter members who won individual achievement awards as part of SDFM National’s Awards Program.  This is a HUGE accomplishment, as SDFM has 14K+ members with wide-ranging backgrounds across the Department of Defense.

Congratulations to Sarah Flaherty and Mark Richburg!

https://sdfm.org/membership/national-awards/2025-award-winners/individual-achievement-awards-2025/

Message from Dan Woltman, SDFM National Vice President, Member Community and Corporate Partnerships:

I regret to inform you that the National PDI 2025 (May 28-30, New Orleans) will not be taking place this year. PDI has long been a key opportunity for professional development, networking and community growth.  SDFM remains committed to supporting our chapters in delivering valuable education, networking, and certification opportunities at the local level. 

In the absence of PDI this year, we encourage you to take advantage of other SDFM programs and resources, including those listed below. For more information on any of these offerings, please visit https://sdfm.org/.

On-Demand Training & Content

Gain access to recorded sessions from previous PDI events and other SDFM signature programs.

Armed Forces Comptroller (AFC)

Earn CPEs through quarterly exams in this storied publication, a cornerstone of the defense financial management community.

Fiscal Law Course

Stay up to date with federal appropriations law through a deep dive into GAO Redbook chapters and essential fiscal law elements.

CDFM & CDFM-A Certification

Demonstrate your expertise in defense financial management with the test-based certification recognized and portable across both government and private sectors.

Chapter Events & Networking

Engage with your local Yankee Chapter members to stay connected, continue learning, and expand your professional network. We will continue offering our monthly lunch & learn events, as well as continuing preparations for a Mini PDI later this year! Stay tuned!

Notice to Yankee Chapter Members:

The SDFM National Board of Directors approved a membership dues increase effective January 1, 2025.  One-year individual dues increased from $50 per year to $55 and three-year individual dues increased from $120 per year to $132.  The dues change will capture the increased cost of business operations and support new membership benefits and initiatives. Thank you for your continuous support of SDFM!

SDFM’s annual awards call is now open for submissions!

Any government employee (mil/civ) in a financial-related career field may be nominated or submit a nomination.  Contractors may only be nominated in the Contractor Support category.   Awards are open to both members and non-members of SDFM.   Winners will receive one complimentary registration to PDI 2025 in New Orleans, a plaque during the PDI awards ceremony, recognition by the local chapter, and recognition in the National AFC Comptroller Magazine. Please check your email from 30 Dec 24 Titled “SDFM – Annual Awards are Open for Submission!” for award guidelines and nomination forms.

You may submit your own nominations at https://sdfm.secure-platform.com/a/organizations/main/home (deadline 31 Jan 25).   However, historically nominations endorsed/submitted by the local SDFM Chapter receive better weight from the awards panel.   If you would like the Yankee Chapter to endorse your nomination, please send the attached form(s) to Yankee Chapter President Michael Ciampa NLT 28 Jan 25 and the form will be submitted for you.

SDFM Yankee Chapter will once again be adopting children through the Jamie’s Joy organization this holiday season! Jamie’s Joy serves roughly 50 families each holiday season which they receive from the local Boys and Girls Club, Social Concern and churches in the Woburn, MA area.

You can choose to purchase items from the wish list or make a monetary donation that will go towards the purchase of unfilled items (tax receipts are available upon request).  Please contact Sarah Flaherty if you are interested in participating to this great cause.  All donations are due by 16 December.

Season’s Greetings, Yankee Chapter Members!

Please join us for our Holiday Social on Wednesday, 04 December from 1200-1400 at the Hanscom Chapel Annex.

Free for SDFM members | $10 for non-members

Please RSVP to Mike Ciampa.

Today, September 30th, is National Defense Financial Manager Day.

SDFM would like to take a moment to look back at the impactful numbers that have taken place in FY 2024. Take a look at some of the key achievements in FY24 below!