Security Assistance Command honors program analyst | Article

Kristen Tapscott, ground and aviation management and program analyst at the Security Assistance Command, was chosen as the command’s Employee of the Quarter for the third quarter of fiscal year 2026.

Tapscott plans, directs, implements, and manages a program valued at $18.9 billion, which supports the Office of the Program Manager-Saudi Arabian National Guard, a subcommand of USASAC.

“Her duties include thorough case financial and trust fund analysis in support of Saudi Ministry of National Guard accrual accounting efforts, as directed by Saudi Ministry of Finance,” Paviola Duri, director of the OPM-SANG Huntsville Field Office, said.

As a foreign military sales case and trust fund analyst she plays an integral role in researching and reconciling Saudi Ministry of National Guard deposits, finances, billing, invoices and disbursements. Her efforts have been essential for MNG to meet accrual accounting reporting as directed by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Finance. Her efforts “further solidifying our partner’s trust through fully transparent and detailed FMS program and case financial discussions and reporting,” Duri said.

Tapscott led the efforts in analyzing all MNG FMS cases ensuring that total program authority did not exceed Royal Decrees’ thresholds. Her work helped MNG find and repurpose over $887 million in unutilized case authority.

“Kristen has a strong desire to see our FMS program succeed and the Ministry of the National Guard succeed, evident by her tireless overtime work with the Ministry … answering questions on personnel, program budgeting, and future requirements,” Tiwana Coutee, another OPM-SANG program analyst at USASAC, said.

She has taken on some of the most complicated tasks in support of MNG’s unique and overwhelming financial reporting. “She continuously designs new and clear methods and processes to capture, display and disseminate information not only to her teammates but also during the internal financial reviews MNG has requested to be held annually,” Duri said.

Tapscott is a team player always going above and beyond to assist the team and her leadership even when outside of her core duties and responsibilities. Coutee said, “She provides mentorship in requirements development, case management, and budgeting to incoming military and civilian personnel on the program to ensure their success.”

Tapscott knows and understands the demands of the position and organization and has stepped up to the challenge during times when resources have been low. Due to vacancies, in 2025 she took on responsibilities across multiple positions. She successfully led the financial reporting team as requested by Saudi Arabia and continued to manage five FMS cases valued at a total of $2.3 billion.

“What I’ve always admired most about Kristen is her collaborative spirit,” Samuel Feleke, deputy chief of OPM-SANG’s land power division, said. “She doesn’t just focus on her own tasks; she actively lifts up those around her, serves as an incredible mentor, and brings an energy that makes the entire workplace better.”