Georgia Financial Educators Council: About, Mission, Advisory Board
The Georgia Financial Educators Council℠ is committed to helping people across the state gain access to financial education programming that helps them work toward financial wellness. To this end, we provide complimentary resources, advocacy campaigns, and local personal support to build scalable financial wellness initiatives.
The mission of the Georgia Financial Educators Council℠ is to build sustainable, scalable economic empowerment programs that have a real impact on people’s lives at the community level.
State Chapter Details & Affiliation with National Council
The Georgia Financial Educators Council℠ is a chapter of the National Financial Educators Council®. The National chapter is well-qualified to support our initiatives here across the state of Georgia. They bring:
Accreditation
As an IACET Accredited Provider, the NFEC offers IACET CEUs for its learning events that comply with the ANSI/IACET Continuing Education and Training Standard.
Social Impact
As a Certified B Corporation, the NFEC meets the highest standards for socially responsible commerce, using the power of business to build more sustainable economies.
Standards
The NFEC set industry standards for the financial education industry and materials are developed with the highest educational outcomes in mind.
Advisory Board
The Georgia Financial Educators Council Advisory Board members come from diverse backgrounds, yet share one similar goal – to help push the financial wellness movement forward. Board members serve in a variety of roles to support the Leadership Team to develop leading educational resources, expand our business, and create positive social change.
Michelle Dobbins
VP of Marketing, Credit Union of Georgia
K. Alexandra Escobar
Financial Literacy Advocate
K. Alexandra Escobar brings a unique and interesting background to her participation on the Georgia Financial Educators Council (GFEC) Advisory Board. Raised in Georgia by first-generation immigrants, Escobar earned an AA in Film Production and certification in Small Business Management from Southern Crescent Technical College. From there, she has overcome a range of personal financial challenges to found her own youth financial literacy advocacy business, The Dark Horse Rising. Through this endeavor, launched in 2024, Advisory Board Member K. Alexandra Escobar seeks to empower our future leaders with financial wellness skills they can apply toward building generational wealth and shaping stable, successful futures.
When selecting Advisory Board members, the GFEC looks for individuals with a dedication both to the financial wellness cause and to providing top-quality community service. K. Alexandra Escobar exemplifies both those characteristics as she builds a strong reputation for promoting youth financial literacy among underserved communities across the state of Georgia and beyond. The Georgia Financial Educators Council is looking forward to a successful long-term partnership with Escobar as we work together to build greater financial health among our fellow Georgians.
Giving Underserved Communities a Voice: K. Alexandra Escobar
Growing up in an underserved community, I know a little bit about hard times. I graduated from Southern Crescent Technical College with a certification in Small Business Management and a degree in Film Production (my dream was to be in actress, but that’s another story for another day). I have run my own independent business since 2019, freelancing for different companies to manage their bookkeeping, consult with them on their systems, and provide them with personalized assistance. I believe these experiences led me to where I am today – building my own firm, providing a service to educate those in underserved communities who do not yet know they have a voice.
My mission is to equip future leaders, ages 12-17, with the knowledge and tools they need to make informed financial choices that will secure their futures and help them build generational wealth. Through self-paced modules, real-world simulations, and personalized certifications, we empower young people to take control of their financial destinies. My goal for becoming involved in the financial wellness campaign is to foster clarity, stability, and confidence in managing finances, ultimately shifting mindsets from scarcity to abundance. The Dark Horse Rising inspires introspection and drive, cultivating the next generation of financially literate individuals who will shape a more prosperous future.
Penny Rolle
Office Manager at MONTAG Wealth Management
Penny Rolle was named a member of the Georgia Financial Educators Council Advisory Board as a result of her close alignment with the objectives and mission of the National Financial Educators Council. Through her background and her current efforts – both professional and philanthropic – Advisory Board Member Penny Rolle exhibits a commitment to family economic empowerment that marks her as a leader in the financial wellness movement.
Advisory Board members are chosen based on several characteristics including dedication to community service and passion for helping others. Penny Rolle’s qualifications and experience serve to highlight the depth of her contributions in the financial literacy sphere. The Georgia Financial Educators Council is looking forward to collaborating with Penny as we move forward to advance financial wellness initiatives across Georgia and beyond.
Helping Georgia Families Gain Financial Freedom: Penny Rolle
I am an Office Manager at MONTAG Wealth Management in Atlanta, GA and a member of the National Financial Educators Council (NFEC) Advisory Board. My underlying motivation for being part of the financial wellness movement stems from my passion for helping families gain access to financial literacy. I believe that achieving financial freedom requires both knowledge and guidance, enabling individuals to make informed decisions about their financial futures.
My journey in the financial industry spans over two decades, during which I’ve developed expertise in organizational leadership and process improvement. With a degree in Organizational Leadership from Mercer University, I’ve served as an administrative leader across various financial institutions. These experiences have allowed me to witness firsthand the transformative power of financial education and strategic planning.
Dr. Brenda Oldham
Financial Literacy Expert – Oakland County, MI
Dr. Brenda Oldham was selected as a distinguished member of the Georgia Financial Educators Council Advisory Board due to her highly-respected status as a financial literacy expert, author, and educator with more than 35 years of experience in the insurance and financial planning industries. As the CEO of RAM Insurance & Financial Services and the founder of RAM Educational Business Solutions, Advisory Board Member Dr. Brenda Oldham has dedicated her career to improving financial education and wealth-building opportunities for individuals and organizations alike. Her acclaimed book, “Grandma (Nana) Piggy Bank Money Saving Tips,” highlights her commitment to closing the wealth gap and helping families build sustainable financial habits.
Dr. Oldham’s deep commitment to financial literacy education, combined with years of experience and a culturally competent approach, underscore her strong alignment with the NFEC’s mission and her trusted leadership in the movement for financial empowerment. The Georgia Financial Educators Council anticipates an advantageous collaboration with Dr. Oldham in the coming years.
Empowering Underserved Communities with Transformational Financial Literacy Initiatives: Dr. Brenda Oldham
Dr. Brenda Oldham, renowned financial literacy expert and author of “Grandma Piggy Bank Money Saving Tips: A Financial Literacy Wellness Guide,” is making strides to bridge the financial literacy gap within underserved and underrepresented groups through her transformative workshops titled “Get Your Financial House in Order.” This initiative brings accessible, engaging, and actionable financial education directly into workplaces and community centers, empowering participants to achieve lasting financial wellness.
“Our mission is to empower individuals with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to transform their financial lives,” comments Dr. Oldham. “We are dedicated to addressing the unique financial challenges faced by underrepresented groups and creating pathways to long-term financial health and success.” The “Get Your Financial House in Order” workshops are specifically designed to provide a comprehensive approach to financial literacy, including topics such as budgeting, debt reduction, credit improvement, savings and investment strategies, and building generational wealth. The workshops cater to diverse communities, with a special focus on the experiences of African Americans before and after a series of tailored financial programs. Participants gain practical strategies that lead to real-world results and measurable improvements in their financial lives.
Dr. Kamilah Williams
Financial Educator, Gwinnett County, GA
Kamilah Williams, Ph.D., CFEI®, was selected as a member of the expert Advisory Board to the Georgia Financial Educators Council (GFEC) as a result of her distinguished professional and educational background, which supports and reinforces the organization’s vision of bringing greater economic empowerment to Georgia communities. Advisory Board Member Kamilah Williams brings close to 20 years of experience in higher education and government to the table, along with credentials as a Certified Financial Education Instructor (CFEI®) and a passion for teaching and uplifting others with financial wellness.
When selecting Advisory Board members, the GFEC seeks individuals with proven dedication to community advocacy and service. Kamilah Williams has demonstrated this commitment throughout both her career and her philanthropic endeavors. The Georgia Council is looking forward to a productive long-term relationship with Kamilah as they work together to promote financial well-being across the state.
Improving Society through Individual Financial Wellness: Kamilah Williams
As an economics professor who teaches at the undergraduate and graduate level, I am passionate about financial literacy for all. With a Ph.D. in Financial Economics from the University of Delaware, I have nearly two decades of experience in higher education and government. I am also a Certified Financial Education Instructor (CFEI®). My experience and education, coupled with my passion for teaching, qualify me to be a powerful advocate for financial literacy.
My desire to make the world better initially led me to become a professional economist, advising on economic policy. However, I saw that a large part of improving economic outcomes for the society as a whole started with financial literacy at the individual level. This realization drove my decision to pursue a doctorate and a career in higher education. I have taught economics and finance at various colleges and universities, at all levels. I have published research on financial inclusion and seek to use this knowledge to further spread financial wellness in the broader community.
Joshua Bunkley
Certified Financial Coach
Strong alignment with the mission, values, and principles of the National Financial Educators Council (NFEC) recommends Joshua Bunkley to assume his seat on the Advisory Board of the Georgia Financial Educators Council, the NFEC’s Georgia chapter. Dedicated to promoting financial literacy at the community level, Advisory Board Member Joshua Bunkley leverages his platforms to make substantial contributions to the financial wellness movement.
Advisory Board members are selected based on stringent criteria that include professionalism, advocacy, and community service. Joshua Bunkley has established a reputation for all these qualities, which he exhibits daily as he helps his fellow Georgians work toward greater financial independence. The Georgia Financial Educators Council looks forward to a constructive and beneficial partnership with Joshua in the coming years.
Empowering Thriving Futures: Joshua Bunkley
As a Certified Financial Coach and a member of the Georgia Financial Educators Council (GFEC) Advisory Board, I’m committed to empowering people to become debt-free, build wealth, and achieve their financial goals – from helping students navigate college debt-free, to securing a dignified retirement, to creating generational wealth.
My passion for financial coaching, particularly in working with young leaders and couples navigating the complexities of marriage and pre-marital finances, drives my work every day. I founded Bunkley Financial in 2018 with a clear vision: to help people avoid the common mistakes I made early on in life. My goal is to equip men and women with the knowledge and skills necessary to make informed, future-focused financial decisions. It’s about building confidence in their financial choices so they can create a secure, thriving future for themselves and their families.
Ronke Adetoba Adeyemi
Chief Education Officer (CEO)
Ronke Adetoba Adeyemi was chosen as a member of the distinguished Georgia Financial Educators Council Advisory Board as a result of her proven dedication to empowering communities with financial education. An author, engineer, financial literacy advocate, Certified Financial Education Instructor (CFEI®), and Chief Education Officer of MYFIsavvy, Advisory Board Member Ronke Adetoba Adeyemi understands the pivotal role financial wellness plays in shaping the country’s future. Through her advocacy and promotion, she seeks to inspire greater financial literacy by making financial education accessible and engaging for younger generations.
Advisory Board members are selected based on their passion for the financial wellness movement and their community service contributions. Ronke Adetoba Adeyemi exemplifies commitment and dedication in both areas as she emphasizes the importance of financial education – especially for youth – as a catalyst for social change and economic growth.
Advancing Financial Wellness in Whole Communities: Ronke Adetoba Adeyemi
With a diverse and accomplished background in education, engineering, authorship, and financial advocacy, I am committed to advancing financial wellness for individuals, families, and communities. As the Chief Education Officer of MYFIsavvy, I am dedicated to equipping people with the knowledge and tools necessary to achieve financial independence. My background in engineering provides me with analytical problem-solving skills and structured thinking, which I integrate into my passion for teaching. With years of experience designing and implementing financial literacy programs, I have become a recognized authority in personal finance education, instructional design, curriculum development, and digital entrepreneurship. My work empowers both adults and children through engaging financial education materials, including videos, workbooks, journals, and interactive programs.
Obioha Okereke
Consultant, Slalom
Members of the Georgia Financial Educators Council (GFEC) Advisory Board are chosen based on their educational and professional accomplishments, integrity, and proven commitment to community service. Advisory Board Member Obioha Okereke shows his alignment with these stringent criteria through his business endeavor, College Money Habits, and his significant contributions to financial education initiatives that have had true positive impact. Having recently relocated to Georgia from the Pacific Northwest, Okereke looks forward to bringing these successful financial wellness campaigns to benefit his Georgia neighbors.
Obioha Okereke is a talented financial educator and content creator committed to providing students and young adults with personal finance knowledge that prepares them for life and instills them with the confidence to make informed decisions. His collaboration on the GFEC Advisory Board offers him an opportunity to expand the reach of his efforts and help even more individuals and families around the country achieve greater financial security.
Making Financial Knowledge Accessible and Transparent: Obioha Okereke
As the Creator and Founder of College Money Habits, I am committed to making financial education accessible and transparent for the students and young adults I serve. Hearing their stories of success and seeing the real-time positive impacts of healthy money decisions and delayed gratification motivate me to continue teaching.
With a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration (Finance) from the University of Washington – Bothell, six years in business/technology consulting, and five years as a financial wellness educator and content creator, I am well-positioned to make high-impact contributions to the GFEC Advisory Board and continue my efforts to promote financial literacy education across the country.
Tina Browning
Vice President, Banking, Effingham County, GA, CFEI®
Tina Browning is the owner of T.E.A. Financial, Regional Bank Officer, NFEC Certified Financial Education Instructor & Speaker. I have over 25 years of dedicated community leadership in the financial industry. Currently, I serve as Vice President, Banking Center Manager in the East Coast Region for a large financial institution.
Tina Browning came to Savannah, GA from the blue-grass state of Kentucky in 1992 with a business franchise relocation. As CEO of her company, her position as a successful businesswoman allowed her to partner with local businesses, individuals and community nonprofits as an advocate in helping them start and successfully run a small business. Tina ran her sales and service corporation serving Coastal Georgia and the Low Country for over 13 years. Tina has earned many Top Sales and Service Awards and has been recognized for her involvement in public speaking, mentorship of local business owners, and her service in many areas of philanthropic community involvement, including serving on the board of the Effingham County Chamber of Commerce and as Lt. Governor of Georgia District Optimist International at the state-level. Currently, Tina serves on numerous prestigious Board of Directors. For example, the Effingham Health Systems Board of Directors, American Hospital Association Board of Governance, Board Treasurer of the S.I.D.C. Inc. Savannah Interagency Diversity Committee and GROW Initiative GA. Inc. In 2005, Tina chose to use her financial expertise in small business and love for community to venture a new career path after having been recruited into the “Mega-Bank World”. There, Tina excelled quickly and mastered every area of banking leadership such as consumer and commercial lending, and small business banking. In 2012, Tina was promoted into branch management at a local community bank where she ultimately served as Assistant Vice President. Later, she spear-headed the merger and acquisition process of what would result in her banking home of Queensborough National Bank & Trust where she advanced her career as the Retail Operations Branch Manager. Her dedication gained her yet another promotion as the Q-Works Program Coordinator in 2016. This position allowed Tina to ddo what she loves the most, serving her business community in teaching financial literacy in all areas and levels of consumer and business banking finance. In July of 2017, Tina and her family moved to Effingham County where they currently reside. Tina’s roots come from a solid foundation of faith, family and a love for her family’s farm, where she grew up. She just celebrated 41 years of marriage to her “Superman”, Alvis, who is employed at Georgia Pacific. They have one son that earned his B.F.A. Degree in Sound Engineering from Savannah College of Art & Design. Tina enjoys serving her community as a Balloon Artist where she focuses on teaching kindness and the “Beatitudes” through the art of Ballooning as Ms. T & Stinger the Bee, “Bumble Bee Ballooning”. This calling encourages our youth and senior assisted living. Additionally, Tina enjoys global mission work, loves folklore storytelling.
Reginald Bennett
CEO and President, The Legacy Empowerment Solutions Group
Reginald V. Bennett brings a wealth of education, experience, and history of community service to his participation on the Georgia Financial Educators Council Advisory Board. He earned a BA in Economics from Dickinson College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania; a Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics from Georgia Tech University; and an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. Bennett has assumed leadership positions in several high-profile organizations including the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, Morgan Stanley, Ernst & Young, Delta Air Lines, and Genesys. His current role as President and CEO of The Legacy Empowerment Solutions Group in Atlanta affords him the opportunity to create a legacy of resilience and community impact through financial wellness education. His efforts help bridge gaps between high-level financial acumen and community-based education, to meet people where they are and create cross-generational opportunities for financial wellness.
Reginald V. Bennett, also known as Reggie, combines his economic expertise with a lifelong commitment to empowering communities – especially the underserved – with high-quality financial literacy education. He seeks to uplift those communities that have been traditionally overlooked by traditional financial systems. Bennett has joined the GFEC Advisory Board with the objective to provide young people and minority families with access to financial wellness resources that enable them to pursue pathways toward financial stability and resilience. His vision is to equip Georgians with the knowledge and confidence to pursue their dreams, free of fear and uncertainty, toward the overarching goal of building generational wealth.
Jervis Hough
Chief Compliance Officer / Chief Operating Officer, Blaylock Van
Jervis Hough brings more than two decades of experience in financial services to his role on the GFEC Advisory Board, with specialties in broker-dealer and registered investment advisory (RIA) compliance. His distinguished career has included being a compliance examiner for FINRA and serving executive roles at Merrill Lynch and IFS Securities, Inc. Currently he is COO, Chief Compliance Officer, and Senior Vice President at Blaylock Van LLC, a full-service investment banking and financial services firm.
Jervis Hough holds a Master of Science in Applied Economics (Finance and Real Estate concentration) and a Bachelor of Science in Economics from Clemson University; is a Certified Securities Compliance Professional® (CSCP®); and maintains FINRA Series 7, 24, 53, 63, 79, and 99 registrations. He has served on several executive boards and committees, including the Industry Diversity Advisory Committee (IDAC) and RXMD; and currently sits on the Board of Directors of NextPlat (NASDAQ: NXPL) and the National African Americans in Insurance Association (NAAIA) Foundation.
As a GFEC Advisory Board member, Jervis has a stated goal of ensuring that high-quality financial literacy resources become accessible to every student in the state of Georgia, regardless of background or location. He feels committed to empowering Georgia youth with the fundamental financial knowledge that supports economic well-being across all the life stages. His belief that students must learn beyond classroom theory to grasp money management concepts they can apply to real-world decisions lies behind his efforts to make practical financial wellness resources available to all Georgians.
By employing collaborative frameworks and data‑driven best practices, Jervis Hough aims to design and deploy scalable, flexible financial wellness programs capable of being customized to diverse learning environments across Georgia and around the country.
Michelle Dobbins
VP of Marketing, Credit Union of Georgia
Michelle Dobbins has a strong educational and experiential background in finance, public relations, multi-media marketing and communications, and giving back to her community. She earned a BA in Public Relations and Communications from Western Michigan University in 2006 and a Master’s in Public Relations from Kent State University in 2014. Dobbins’s career in the credit union industry has included more than 10 years in progressively more responsible roles at Georgia United Credit Union and, most recently, being chosen as VP of Marketing for Credit Union of Georgia.
In her current position at CU of Georgia, Michelle also sits on the Board of Directors of the credit union’s Community Foundation. This recently-established foundation has a stated mission of supporting individuals, schools, nonprofits, and community organizations through charitable giving, volunteerism, and strategic partnerships. As an Advisory Board member of the Georgia Financial Educators Council, Dobbins leverages this connection to promote greater financial wellness among people of all ages – but particularly youth and young adults – in her hometown Atlanta and across the state of Georgia.
Recently Michelle Dobbins has been instrumental in the launch of a CU of Georgia Community Foundation initiative that takes financial literacy “into the field” – creating engaging, entertaining programs that combine financial education with sports. The program supports Georgia youth to develop stronger discipline, resilience, and strategic decision-making skills that lead to better financial wellness outcomes and leadership preparation.
Michelle currently resides in Cherokee County, Georgia with her husband; her two children – Paxton, 8 and Kennedy, 6; and two English Crème Golden Retriever puppies, Lokie and Delta.