Commission Staff
Lara Sayer
Executive Director
Ms. Lara Sayer is the Executive Director for the Commission on Planning, Programming, Budgeting and Execution (PPBE) Reform. Prior to joining the Commission, Ms. Sayer served as a part of the Senior Executive Service as the Comptroller for Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC) and Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC), where she had oversight of annual appropriations in excess of $12B. Ms. Sayer also served as the Comptroller for the Office of Naval Research (ONR) and the Deputy Chief Financial Officer for United States Special Operations Command. Ms. Sayer has also served in several senior positions in the acquisition, budget, and resource management sectors throughout her career. Ms. Sayer holds a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance and a Master of Business Administration from Wright State University. She also has a Masters in National Resource Strategy from the Eisenhower School at the National Defense University.
Annie Crum
Director of Operations
Ms. Annie Crum is the Director of Operations for the Commission on Planning, Programming, Budgeting and Execution (PPBE) Reform currently serving part-time. Ms. Crum also serves as the Comptroller Liaison for the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM). Prior to this position, Ms. Crum served the Coordination Branch at the United State Marine Corps Headquarters Program and Resources Department, where she worked her way through the ranks and ultimately was the Head of the Branch. Ms. Crum holds a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies from the U.S. Naval War College and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance and graduated Cum Laude from Southern Methodist University.
Elizabeth Bieri
Director of Research
Ms. Elizabeth Bieri is the Director of Research for the Commission on Planning, Programming, Budgeting and Execution (PPBE) Reform. Ms. Bieri has spent her career in financial management, logistics, and as a cost and price analyst in the national defense space. Prior to this position, she was the Deputy Director for Budget in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict, Secretariat for Special Operations. Ms. Bieri holds a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies from the College of Naval Warfare at the Navy War College and a Bachelor of Arts from Grinnell College.
Kelle McCluskey
Senior Researcher
Ms. Kelle McCluskey currently serves as Senior Researcher for the Commission on Planning, Programming, Budgeting and Execution Reform. Prior to this position, Ms. McCluskey was the Division Chief of the Advanced Intelligence Capabilities Division in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force (Acquisition, Technology & Logistics), Special Programs. Ms. McCluskey also served as a Budget Analyst Team Lead in the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force (Financial Management and Comptroller), Budget Investment Directorate (SAF/FMBIB). Prior to entering civil service, Ms. McCluskey worked in industry supporting budget and acquisition across the federal government. Ms. McCluskey holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Salem State and Master of Science in Management, focused on Federal Acquisition and Contract Management, from the Catholic University of America.