The Honorable Robert Hale currently is the Executive Director of the American Society of Military Comptrollers (ASMC). In that capacity, he runs an 18,000-member association that provides professional development opportunities to defense financial managers. His responsibilities include oversight of a large annual conference, a professional certification program, a quarterly journal, and many other activities. From 1994 to 2001, Mr. Hale served as was appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate as the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force (Financial Management and Comptroller). He was responsible for the Air Force budget and all aspects of Air Force financial management. Mr. Hale also served for 12 years as head of the defense unit of the Congressional Budget Office. His group provided defense analyses to Congress, and he frequently testified before congressional committees. Before coming to ASMC, Mr. Hale directed a program group at LMI Government Consulting and early in his career he served on active duty as a Navy officer and worked for the Center for Naval Analyses. Mr. Hale holds a B.S. and an M.S. from Stanford University and an M.B.A. from George Washington University. He also is a Fellow in the National Academy of Public Administration and currently serves on the Defense Business Board. He is a Certified Defense Financial Manager.