Mrs. Commons graduated from Fayetteville State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education. She holds a Master of Public Financial Management Degree from The American University.

Mrs. Commons began her federal service career in July 1969 with the Social Security Administration as a Claims Representative. In April 1971, she joined the Comptroller staff at the Office of Naval Research as a budget analyst. In 1977, she was selected as a participant in the newly formed Naval Data Automation Command, Washington, D.C.

In February 1980, she was selected as Supervisory Budget Analyst and Branch Head of the Budget Operations Branch at the Naval Facilities Engineering command. In 1981, she was selected as one of the first participants in the NAVFAC Executive Management Development Program and an Outstanding Young Woman of America.

In December 1983, Mrs. Commons was the Budget Officer and Head of the Material Program and Budget Branch, Material Division, Installation and Logistics Department, Headquarters Marine Corps. In 1988 she was selected for the Harvard University Program for Senior Officials in National Security. She was promoted to the Senior Executive Service in August 1991.

Mrs. Commons has received numerous awards during her federal service to include Outstanding Performance Awards, Sustained Superior Performance Awards and nomination for the Federal Executive Institute Alumni Association Executive of the Year Award.

050201