A career perspective in a changing FM landscape with Melissa Blakesly

A career perspective in a changing FM landscape with Melissa Blakesly

From All Things Financial Management by Guidehouse

April 29, 2026 · 32 min · Episode 40

About this episode

Melissa Blakesly discusses her career in financial management and the importance of mentorship and AI in the field.

In this episode of the "All Things Financial Management" podcast, presented by the Society of Defense Financial Management and Guidehouse, Melissa Blakesly, Associate Deputy Assistant Secretary for Congressional Budget and Appropriations Liaison, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Financial Management and Comptroller (SAF/FML), sits down with host Tom Rhoads to reflect on a career shaped by mobility, mentorship, and a willingness to take on new challenges. Tune in for a wide-ranging conversation about navigating a nonlinear career in public service, the important of developing and supporting the FM workforce, and how practical applications of AI may help FM professionals turn data into actionable insight.

People in this episode

Host: Tom Rhoads

Guest: Melissa Blakesly

Topics covered

  • career development
  • financial management
  • public service
  • mentorship
  • artificial intelligence
  • workforce development

Keywords

  • financial management
  • career mobility
  • mentorship
  • AI applications
  • public service
  • workforce support

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Society of Defense Financial Management, Guidehouse, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Financial Management and Comptroller, SAF/FML

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