Trudy Blakeman

A taxation and financial specialist with nearly two decades of professional experience, Trudy Blakeman currently works as the Director of Incentives, Property, and Sales Tax at Darden Restaurants, Inc. As an expert on all company-related state and federal sales, liquor, and use tax regulations, Ms. Blakeman ensures company compliance regarding transaction taxes, property taxes, and tax credits. In addition to training and supervising a staff of tax professionals, she regularly conducts extensive audits to locate overpayments, identify refund opportunities, and target incentives to minimize risks, increase value, and enhance efficiency. She also performs research to remain abreast of all state and federal tax legislation and law modifications. While reporting directly to the Vice President, Trudy Blakeman works closely with numerous internal departments, including Government Relations, Treasury, Legal, and Concept Finance. She also maintains a host of external associations with various tax examiners, legal counsels, public accountants, and public officials. Trudy Blakeman attended the University of North Carolina at Asheville, where she studied Accounting. A recipient of the Presidential Leadership Award, she graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree before pursuing graduate studies at the University of Central Florida, obtaining a Master of Science in Taxation. A Certified Public Accountant, Ms. Blakeman maintains memberships with the Institute of Professionals in Taxation and the Restaurant Industry Sales Tax Professionals. Prior to her responsibilities with Darden Restaurants, Trudy Blakeman served as Controller at Concord Management and as a Senior Auditor for KPMG Peat Marwick, a premier accounting firm. In her spare time, Ms. Blakeman enjoys making charitable contributions to the American Heart Association, the March of Dimes, and the United Way. She is an accomplished musician, both as a singer and as a tenor saxophone player.