Special to Atmore News
On 30 July, Melissa Walker retired from the Department of the Navy with over 31 years of Federal service. Walker is a native of Atmore and a graduate of Escambia County High School.
She began her career with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), as a bank examiner. She assessed financial institutions large and small to ensure they were operating in a safe and sound manner, to identify violations of law and regulation, and to analyze the general character of management. In addition, she worked as a compliance examiner to ensure that banks were adhering to laws and regulations that protect consumers and were investing in their local communities.
Later, Walker transferred to the Naval Audit Service, where she served in various leadership roles, including Senior Auditor, Team Leader, Project Manager, and Audit Director / Chief. As an Audit Director / Chief for the Financial Management and Comptroller Audits Directorate, Walker was responsible for managing complex audit functions crucial to the mission of the Naval Audit Service. She directed and oversaw the planning and execution of work assignments by multiple teams of auditors; reviewed the accuracy and completeness of work performed by staff; and directed quality control of audits, as required.
In addition, she represented the Auditor General of the Navy or Assistant Auditor General at conferences with senior Department of the Navy military and civilian officials to explain and interpret the mission, policies, and programs of the Naval Audit Service, as well as to support, explain, or present specific audits, which were substantive and had far-reaching operational impact.
Walker conducted numerous audits promoting financial improvement for the Department of the Navy during her career. Her production of audit reports and briefings are too numerous to detail, but it is without question that Walker’s service to the Department’s mission has made a lasting impact on improving financial accountability and transparency. Although the Department is still pursuing this goal, her commitment and dedication has positioned the Department to achieve it in the not-too-distant future.
Walker holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Alabama A&M University and is a Certified Defense Financial Manager Level III. She received numerous awards throughout her career, including Special Acts and the Naval Audit Service Standard of Excellence Award for her exceptional leadership and performance.