Tara Singleton
Tara Singleton is a seasoned financial professional and U.S. Army veteran, currently serving as Lead Financial Analyst at the United States Department of the Army. With over a decade of experience in federal financial management, workforce analytics, and regulatory compliance, she empowers leadership through data-driven decision-making and strategic resource alignment. Tara’s expertise bridges finance, HR, payroll, and IT, allowing her to implement cross-functional solutions that enhance operational efficiency and support mission-critical objectives. She holds both a Bachelor’s and a Master of Business Administration degree from Strayer University and is a graduate of the Department of Army’s competitive PRISE leadership program.
Throughout her career, Tara has progressed from active duty in the Army as a Finance Specialist to federal civilian roles, including Human Resources Assistant and Financial Management Analyst. In her current role, she leads a team of approximately ten analysts, overseeing complex financial and operational analyses for over 4,000 employees. She develops executive-level dashboards, policy documentation, and reporting tools to support strategic decision-making, while mentoring her team and fostering a culture of professional growth. Her work consistently emphasizes compliance, process improvement, and actionable insights for senior leadership.
Tara’s professional philosophy centers on lifelong learning, mentorship, and leadership development. Balancing her demanding career with family life, she has successfully completed her MBA while raising three children. Beyond her professional accomplishments, she enjoys online learning through platforms like HarvardX, crafting, hiking, and active involvement in her children’s sports. Recognized for her leadership and dedication, Tara was recently selected to be featured by Influential Women representing Aberdeen Proving Ground for 2026.
• Strayer University - MBA
• PRISE
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my determination to be better - honestly, to be better than my family. I grew up very, very poor, or at least with not a lot. Both my parents are only high school graduates with no degree, and they didn't have very good jobs. My dad didn't have a job growing up, and my mom worked as a manager at a store, so we didn't have much coming in. For me, it's about being able to keep going so I can keep achieving and making more to provide for my family. My determination to be better is what drives me.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to never take no for an answer. If there’s something I truly want to achieve, I keep moving forward—continuously learning, persisting, and pursuing my goals. This mindset has guided me throughout my career and continues to shape the way I approach challenges and opportunities.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
For women entering the government sector, be confident and proactive. It’s male-dominated, so don’t be passive—stand out, speak clearly, and keep learning. Focus on doing your job well, stay prepared, and pursue opportunities without letting bias hold you back.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge in my field right now is that it's a male-dominated field. It's very male-oriented, which creates unique challenges for women, especially mothers. You're viewed negatively if you're too forward, but also viewed negatively if you're too passive. If you're a mom, they look even more down on you. But there are also plenty of opportunities in the government - if you don't like one job, you can move around and find something that works better for you.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are obviously family and staying true to your beliefs. Family comes first for me - I have a very supportive husband, and we've gone through this journey together. We're even planning to relocate to Texas to be near family because we're by ourselves in Maryland as a military family, and we want to be near family with our three kids. Staying true to what you believe in is also critical to me.
Locations
United States Department of the Army
Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD 21005