Hale has over thirty years of experience as a professional financial manager serving in a wide range of national defense related roles.

[1][3][6] After leaving LMI, Hale took a key position at the Congressional Budget Office, non-partisan agency that supports the United States Congress.

He headed the Congressional Budget Office's National Security Division for twelve year before President Bill Clinton nominated Hale to be Assistant Secretary of the Air Force (Financial Management and Comptroller).

As chief financial officer for the United States Air Force, Hale was responsible for annual budgets of approximately $70 billion.

During his tenure as executive director, Hale was a strong advocate for the society's professional certification program, a challenging four part examination leading to recognition as a Certified Defense Financial Manager.

Hale planned and conducted the society's National Professional Development Institute, an annual conference that offers training to over 3,500 participants.

During his confirmation hearing on January 15, 2009, Hale reminded the Senate Armed Services Committee that he had over thirty years of experience in defense related financial management.

"[9] On October 10, 2013, Congress eventually passed a bill authorizing emergency payments to the families of deceased soldiers during the government shutdown, which President Obama signed into law the same day.