Mrs. Gladys J. Commons was sworn-in as the Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Financial Management and Comptroller) on Nov. 3, 2009. She started her federal service career in July 1969 with the Social Security Administration as a Claims Representative. In 1971, she joined the Comptroller staff at the Office of Naval Research as a Budget Analyst. In 1977, she was selected as Lead Budget Analyst for the Operations Program/Budget Division in the newly formed Naval Data Automation Command, Washington, D.C. In 1980, Commons became the Supervisory Budget Analyst and Branch Head of the Budget and Operations Branch at the Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC). In 1983, she became the Budget Officer and Head of the Materiel Program and Budget Branch, Materiel Division, Installation and Logistics Department, Headquarters Marine Corps. In 1986-87 she attended the Industrial College of the Armed Forces, Fort McNair, Washington, D.C. Also in 1987, Commons became the Comptroller of the Marine Corps Research, Development and Acquisition Command – currently the Marine Corps Systems Command. She was promoted to the Senior Executive Service in August 1991.

Commons served as the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Financial Management and Comptroller from February 1994 to September 2002 and served as Acting Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Financial Management and Comptroller from March to October 1998. She served as Comptroller of the Military Sealift Command from October 2002 until her retirement from federal service in March 2004.

Commons has received numerous awards during her federal service, including various Outstanding and Sustained Superior Performance Awards, the Department of the Navy Distinguished Civilian Service Award, the Department of Defense Meritorious Civilian Service Award, and the Presidential Rank Award of Meritorious Executive.

Commons graduated from Fayetteville State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Education and holds a Master of Public Financial Management degree from the American University.