89 Millennium - Nineteenth Edition GOVERNMENT AND MILITARY Since August 2024, Lt. Col. Yolanda S. Lee has served as a senior advisor to the deputy assistant secretary for operations in the Office of Budget and Financial Management, Public and Indian Housing at the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development. She retired from the U.S. Air Force in 2021 as a decorated lieutenant colonel following over 30 years of service. She received the Defense Superior Service Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Secretary of Defense Joint Service Commendation Medal, Global War on Terror Service Medal, and Iraq Campaign Medal with 3 bronze stars. From childhood, Ms. Lee aspired to become a certified public accountant (CPA), and while she did not ultimately become one, she remained in the financial field. She earned a bachelor’s degree in management and finance at Park University and an MBA at the University of Phoenix. To further enhance her expertise, she obtained certifications in defense financial management and acquisition through the American Society of Military Comptrollers, a chief financial officer certificate, and an MS in government information leadership with a CFO concentration from the National Defense University. Among Ms. Lee’s most impactful achievements was her year-long deployment to Iraq as an adviser to the Iraqi Air Force during a critical period of reconstruction. She played a pivotal role in developing a comprehensive $9.8 billion budget to support the rebuilding of the Iraqi Air Force and Army Aviation branches. This initiative addressed critical needs, such as aircraft acquisition, training programs, equipment procurement and facility maintenance. Her efforts culminated in the Iraqi Air Force presenting its first effective budget to government officials, a crucial milestone in their recovery efforts. Looking ahead, Ms. Lee plans to channel her expertise and passion for service through her newly established business, Sacred Ventures. This new business will focus on providing consulting services and housing solutions for veterans and low-income individuals, allowing her to continue making a meaningful impact in the community. She intends to fully dedicate herself to this vision upon retirement from government service. LT. COL. YOLANDA S. LEE SENIOR ADVISOR TO THE DEPUTY ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF OPERATIONS United States Department of Housing and Urban Development Alexandria, VA
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