AEDC Spotlight: Michelle Sutton takes on AEDC career step-by-step

  • Published
  • By Raquel March
  • AEDC/PA
ARNOLD AIR FORCE BASE, TENN --  For 37 years, Michelle Sutton, a senior financial management specialist with the AEDC Financial Management and Comptroller Division, has taken different steps to her current job title, beginning with her first AEDC job as a Stay-in-School.

The SIS program is designed to provide students an experience with working in a career field of interest with the federal government while enrolled in school. Sutton's SIS position in 1979 was with the AEDC Directorate of Contracting organization. While participating in the SIS program, she received a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Cumberland University, Lebanon, Tenn.

Sutton participated in Air Force training programs throughout her career such as the Financial Management Staff Officer Course, the Air Command and Staff College and the DOD Enhanced Defense Financial Management Training. She received certification as a Defense Financial Manager Level III and she is Acquisition Professional Development Program Level III certified.

The training she has received has not only allowed her to advance her career but to also influence coworkers in a positive way.

"I have had the pleasure of working with Michelle as a coworker and her employee when she first became a supervisor," said Lynn Armer, a financial management analyst in the Financial Management and Comptroller Division. "She's a great mentor; she wants and strives for you to succeed, and helps you in any way she can. When you ask her something, you know that is the right answer without question. Her knowledge is not just in her skill area; she understands test, maintenance and procurement, and how they all tie in together and work."

Sutton retired from AEDC July 1 and Armer expressed that she will be missed.
"Michelle has always worked hard, but she also brings laughter and fun into the mix," Armer said. "I just can't image working here now when she leaves. AEDC is going to lose one of its best and me one of my dearest friends."

-AEDC-