Retired U.S. Air Force lieutenant colonel Yolanda S. Lee has dedicated more than three decades to public service, building a distinguished career in both the military and federal government. She currently serves as a senior adviser to the deputy assistant secretary of operations for public and Indian housing at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Since 2024, she has also been a senior adviser in the office of budget and financial management at HUD, providing strategic financial guidance. Ms. Lee’s tenure at HUD began in 2021 as director of the office of budget and financial management, overseeing critical budgetary functions.
Before transitioning to HUD, Ms. Lee had an illustrious career in the U.S. Air Force, retiring as a lieutenant colonel. Her military service includes key roles such as Air Force liaison providing presidential support as director of financial management and comptroller from 2017 to 2021. She was also an executive officer for SAF/FMC from 2016 to 2017 and held various positions as a program and budget analyst and comptroller commander. During her year-long tour in Iraq, Ms. Lee played a pivotal role in advising the Iraqi air force on budgeting strategies, enabling them to present an effective budget to their government officials for the first time.
Ms. Lee’s distinguished military career has been recognized with numerous accolades, including the Defense and Joint Service Meritorious Service Medals, the Joint Meritorious Unit Award, and the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award. Her operational contributions earned her the Iraq Campaign Medal, multiple Global War on Terrorism Medals, and the Armed Forces Service Medal. Ms. Lee also holds Air Force Longevity, Training, and Marksmanship Ribbons.
Laying a strong educational foundation, Ms. Lee earned a bachelor’s degree in management and finance from Park University, a master’s degree in business administration and management from the University of Phoenix, and a Master of Science in government information leadership with a chief financial officer concentration from National Defense University. Highly qualified, she holds the Department of Defense Financial Management Certification Level III, a chief financial officer certificate from National Defense University, and is a certified defense financial manager with an acquisition specialty. Ms. Lee is also actively involved in organizations such as City of Praise Family Ministries, Heifer International, Tunnel to Towers Foundation, Special Olympics, and Wounded Warriors.
Reflecting on her path, Ms. Lee credits her upbringing in a single-parent household and time with her grandparents for instilling in her a strong work ethic and sense of responsibility. Inspired by the resilience of the women in her family, she became the first in her immediate family to earn bachelor’s and master’s degrees. She also takes great pride in mentoring those she has led, continuing to receive calls from former colleagues seeking guidance. In her personal life, Ms. Lee is known for her dedication to helping others succeed. She is a devoted mother who enjoys and spending time with family and exercising. Looking to the future, she plans to establish a real estate business focused on providing housing solutions for veterans and low-income individuals after retiring from federal service. Advising aspiring professionals, Ms. Lee emphasizes that excuses have no place in achieving success, as individuals are their own greatest limitation.