Louisiana Financial Educators Council: About, Mission, Advisory Board
The Louisiana 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 Louisiana Financial Educators Council℠ is to build sustainable, scalable economic empowerment programs that have a real impact on people’s lives at the community level.
Louisiana & Regional Advisory Board
The Louisiana 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.
Founding Members
Jessica Sharon
Coming Soon
Robert Kinzer
Retired Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) Community Affairs
Robert Kinzer retired from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) in 2017 after 31 years of service. He served as a Senior Community Affairs Specialist for the FDIC in his final two years. He traveled throughout the United States teaching and promoting financial education and economic inclusion to state legislators, education administrators, teachers, and consumers. The majority of Mr. Kinzer’s years at the FDIC were served as a Senior Financial Management Analyst, in which role he produced the corporation’s monthly and quarterly financials to be distributed to the FDIC Chairman and Board, Executives and Managers, Congress, and the public.
Mr. Kinzer has received the FDIC Chairman’s Nancy K. Rector Award for public service. He is a Senior Fellow with the Partnership for Public Service and a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. Mr. Kinzer is a native of Washington, D.C. and a graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School. He attended Penn State University and Texas A&I University, and received his undergraduate degree in Sociology and Anthropology from the University of the District of Columbia. After attending college, Mr. Kinzer played professional basketball in England and Scotland for five years.
Derek Hale
Coming Soon
Robert Kinzer
Retired Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) Community Affairs
Robert Kinzer retired from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) in 2017 after 31 years of service. He served as a Senior Community Affairs Specialist for the FDIC in his final two years. He traveled throughout the United States teaching and promoting financial education and economic inclusion to state legislators, education administrators, teachers, and consumers. The majority of Mr. Kinzer’s years at the FDIC were served as a Senior Financial Management Analyst, in which role he produced the corporation’s monthly and quarterly financials to be distributed to the FDIC Chairman and Board, Executives and Managers, Congress, and the public.
Mr. Kinzer has received the FDIC Chairman’s Nancy K. Rector Award for public service. He is a Senior Fellow with the Partnership for Public Service and a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. Mr. Kinzer is a native of Washington, D.C. and a graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School. He attended Penn State University and Texas A&I University, and received his undergraduate degree in Sociology and Anthropology from the University of the District of Columbia. After attending college, Mr. Kinzer played professional basketball in England and Scotland for five years.
Southeast Coastal Regional Advisory Board Members
Dr. Shameka Jones
Co-founder, VeraRosa Higher Learning Scholarship
Dr. Shameka Jones
Co-founder, VeraRosa Higher Learning Scholarship
Dr. Shameka Jones is a passionate advocate for educational equity and financial empowerment. As co-founder of VeraRosa Higher Learning Scholarship, Dr. Jones leads initiatives that expand access to STEM education and literacy for students across Georgia. Her work focuses on creating pathways for young people – especially those from underrepresented communities – to explore science, technology, engineering, and math while also gaining the financial knowledge to build sustainable futures. Through her role with the National Financial Educators Council (NFEC) Georgia Chapter Advisory Board, Dr. Jones brings her medical, educational, and community leadership experience to promote accessible financial education and empower families to make confident, informed choices about their futures.
Together with her husband and co-founder, Dr. Vincent Jones, Dr. Shameka Jones also established STEM NG2, an organization dedicated to closing academic gaps in math and reading through personalized tutoring and mentorship. Their program supports students in grades 3 through 8, emphasizing affordability, accessibility, and individualized growth. Through STEM NG2, Dr. Jones helps young learners develop the analytical and problem-solving skills that form the foundation not only for success in STEM fields but also for sound financial decision-making.
Her journey from medicine to educational and financial advocacy stems from a belief that true wellness extends beyond physical health. It includes financial confidence, self-efficacy, and educational opportunity. Dr. Jones views financial literacy as a vital life skill that empowers families to break cycles of debt and dependence.
As a board member of the Georgia Financial Educators Council, Dr. Jones brings her dual expertise in education and community engagement to advance the NFEC’s mission of improving financial capability nationwide. She is committed to building bridges between academic preparation, economic understanding, and generational wealth creation.
Dr. Jones continues to inspire students and families to dream beyond limitations, helping them achieve not just academic success but a lifetime of financial freedom and purpose-driven living.
Tina Browning
Vice President, Banking, Effingham County, GA, CFEI®
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.
Richard Cason
CEO and Editor in Chief of NewsMovesMarketsForex®
Richard Cason
CEO and Editor in Chief of NewsMovesMarketsForex®
As a Black American civil rights business leader, professional trader, investor, Certified Financial Education Instructor®, and extensively published writer/accredited international journalist, Advisory Board Member Richard F. Cason is uniquely positioned to contribute his wealth of expertise to the Florida Financial Educators Council’s (FFEC) Advisory Board. Cason was selected to serve on the Board due to his strong alignment with the mission and values of the National Financial Educators Council, the FFEC’s parent organization.
Cason’s advanced education in the field of information technology – including an AS in Computer Programming from Florida National College and a BS and Masters in Information Technology from Barry University in Miami – also offer a unique and advantageous perspective to his contributions as a founding member of the FFEC.
Building Strong Communities through Financial Education: Richard F. Cason
My military service – spent overseas working in intelligence as administrative specialist for a battalion commander – taught me invaluable skillsets including leadership, accountability, discipline, adaptability, and honor. My early career as a federal immigration officer with the US Department of Justice gave me a unique perspective on the challenges facing communities and the importance of creating safe, inclusive environments for all individuals.
This rich background formed the backdrop against which I developed my passion: helping the citizens of underprivileged, underserved, and disenfranchised poor urban communities – especially people of color – by equipping them with the knowledge and insight to take control over their personal financial destinies. Many people in these communities struggle with debt, financial insecurity, credit problems, and lack of knowledge about money management. I want to be part of the solution by sharing my experience and expertise.
One of my major contributions to the FFEC’s Advisory Board will be to foster alliances and partnerships with faith-based organizations, non-profits, and government agencies to assist these communities to receive the education and support they need to take control over their own personal finances and set up more secure futures for themselves and their families.
I am committed to making a positive social impact, and I believe that financial literacy education is a crucial part of achieving this goal. By sharing my knowledge and experience as an Advisory Board member, I hope to inspire others to take charge of their financial futures and make informed decisions that will benefit them and their families for years to come.
I am honored to be recognized as a founding member of the Florida Financial Educators Council’s Advisory Board. Together, we can create stronger, more financially secure communities where everyone can thrive, all across the state of Florida.
Patrina Dixon
Patrina Dixon, Financial Educator, Jacksonville, FL
Patrina Dixon
Patrina Dixon, Financial Educator, Jacksonville, FL
Patrina Dixon, CFEI®, RFC®, Financial Transformation Strategist, Financial Educator, and bestselling author, joins the Florida Financial Educators Council Advisory Board with a stellar background in financial services and financial education along with a rich history of giving back to her community. Dixon holds Certificates of Completion in both Financial Management and Women’s Entrepreneurship from Cornell University and is a One Million Black Women: Black in Business Graduate from Goldman Sachs. She also studied at the University of Hartford Barney School of Business.
Upon retiring from an exceptional 30-year career with Cigna, Patrina Dixon founded her current enterprise, It’$ My Money – a company that guides clients toward financial independence through counseling, blogging, podcasting, and YouTube videos. Their mission is to help young adults, women, and small business owners transform their relationship with money. As a Financial Transformation Strategist, Patrina guides individuals and entrepreneurs to reset their money habits, build financial confidence, and achieve lasting financial clarity. She also offers business owners actionable strategies to manage cash flow, increase profitability, and make savvy financial decisions that support growth.
Patrina Dixon has published two #1 bestselling personal finance books: It’$ My Money – A Guided Journal to Help You Manage Your Finances, a two-volume book that’s available in both English and Spanish; and Entrepreneurship: My Story Your Guide. She and her company have been featured on Business Insider, Fox61 CT, Bank of America Institute, BlackEnterprise, and more.
Dixon also maintains a strong volunteer presence and involvement in her community. She is Board Member of the Connecticut Authors and Publishers Association (CAPA); Executive Director of the Wealth Empowerment Initiative; former Member of WomenUnited, United Way; and an active volunteer and community advocate.
The Florida Financial Educators Council anticipates a constructive and dynamic partnership with Patrina Dixon in the coming months and years.
Jervis Hough
Chief Compliance Officer / Chief Operating Officer, Blaylock Van
Jervis Hough
Chief Compliance Officer / Chief Operating Officer, Blaylock Van
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.
Craig Hill
Founder & CEO of SPENDiD
Craig Hill
Founder & CEO of SPENDiD
Craig Hill was selected to serve on the Alabama Financial Educators Council (AFEC) Advisory Board due to his leadership in the personal finance management sector and his commitment to improving financial wellness for Alabamians and beyond. His business and personal experience, academic achievements, and credentials place Advisory Board Member Craig Hill in powerful alignment with the objectives and vision of the AFEC’s parent organization, the National Financial Educators Council.
Advisory Board members are chosen according to stringent criteria for professionalism, integrity, and innovative approaches to financial wellness promotion. Hill’s entrepreneurial nature and professional background position him to make unique contributions to the organization’s mission. The Alabama Financial Educators Council anticipates a positive and mutually beneficial relationship with Craig Hill in the months and years to come.
Democratizing Financial Well-being: Craig Hill
With almost two decades of experience as a Chief Financial Officer in the steel industry and the entrepreneurial spirit to found SPENDiD, my journey has been one of continuous learning and leadership in financial management. This path has been further enriched by my academic background, holding a BS in Accounting and Business Administration from The University of Alabama, and solidified by professional certifications as a Certified Management Accountant (CMA) and a Certified Internal Auditor (CIA). These experiences and credentials have not only sharpened my financial acumen, but also instilled in me a profound passion for financial wellness and literacy.
My goal in joining the financial wellness cause is rooted in a desire to democratize financial literacy, making it accessible and understandable to individuals from all walks of life. This passion is driven by my firsthand observation of the transformative impact that informed financial decision-making can have on individuals and families. When we lift the fog, the way forward gets much clearer. My motivation stems from a belief that financial wellness should be a universally attainable goal, not just a privilege for the few.
Through SPENDiD and MyBudgetReport, I have pioneered tools that simplify the complex world of finance into actionable insights for everyday people. This unique position enables me to contribute a practical perspective to the financial wellness movement, merging technological innovation with financial education. My expertise in predictive cash flow analysis and budgeting-as-a-service tools exemplifies my commitment to creating solutions that foster financial independence and confidence.
It is with great honor that I embrace the opportunity to serve on the Alabama Financial Educators Council’s Advisory Board. I am eager to contribute to this vital cause, leveraging my expertise to enhance the financial literacy landscape. My commitment is to work tirelessly to empower as many people as possible with the knowledge and tools they need to achieve financial wellness, making a lasting impact on the financial health of individuals and families across the country.
Michelle Dobbins
VP of Marketing, Credit Union of Georgia
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.
State Chapter Details & Affiliation with National Council
The Louisiana 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 Louisiana. 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.
Dr. Corey Beckett
Chief Financial Officer, United States Secret Service Deputy
Corey Beckett, a member of the Federal Government’s Senior Executive Service, has been the United States Secret Service Deputy Chief Financial Officer since April 2017. In this role, he provides executive leadership for the development and execution of a $2 billion enterprise budget and portfolio resourcing the agency’s integrated missions of protection and criminal investigation. He oversees the definition, development, implementation, and stewardship of all Secret Service program budgeting of resources, as well as all agency internal financial management, relocation, travel, and procurement processes.
Before assuming his current position, Mr. Beckett was the Comptroller and Chief Financial Officer for the United States Defense Security Service (DSS). In this capacity, he was the primary advisor to the Director, DSS in the areas of budget formulation, budget execution, financial management and policy, financial systems, and cost reporting. He also provided executive leadership to the agency’s safety, logistics, and facility management programs and contracting offices.
Mr. Beckett began his federal government service as a Budget Analyst within the Office of the Secretary of Navy, Comptroller, with assignments throughout the Department of the Navy to include Headquarters, Systems Command, Fleet Staffs, and the Office of the Secretary of Defense. From 1993–2006, Mr. Beckett held a variety of positions with increasing responsibility at both the headquarters and field level of the Department of the Navy, in which he was responsible for planning and programming, budget formulation, justification and execution for a variety of operating and investment programs. Mr. Beckett is also an adjunct professor of Public Administration at several colleges and universities where he teaches a variety of courses.
Mr. Beckett holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Tuskegee University, a Master of Public Administration degree from Central Michigan University, and a Doctor of Public Administration degree from the University of Baltimore.
Ramona Jones
Financial Planner, Chesterfield County, VA
Ramona Jones is a U.S. Navy Veteran who retired after 21 years of dedicated service. She earned a Bachelor’s in Business Administration and a Master’s in Healthcare Management from American InterContinental University; a Certificate in Financial Planning from Liberty University; and Project Management Professional (PMP) certification from the Project Management Institute. Jones is a “How Money Works” Educator through “Wealthwave”; a licensed insurance agent for the states of VA, FL, SC, and GA; and a Notary Official for the state of Virginia.
Ramona’s over two-decade career gave her a deep understanding of financial systems through business relationships with the three credit bureaus, management of million-dollar budgets, facilitating various financial consortiums, and developing financial management processes for several agencies. In 2023 she founded Jeunibe Financial Advisory, an enterprise specializing in holistic planning strategies and tailored financial solutions that guide individuals and their families toward financial independence.
Participating on the VFEC Advisory Board helps Ramona Jones advance her passion for helping others – particularly as they strive to build financial confidence, establish financial security, and achieve their financial goals. She has worked with individuals and families from all backgrounds and appreciates the unique challenges faced by underserved communities who lack appropriate financial education resources. Jones places high value on the power of financial literacy and the impact it can have to improve people’s lives.
David Anderson
President & CEO of W!se
David Anderson, President & CEO, leads the effort to achieve W!se’s mission to improve economic mobility of young Americans and at-risk adults through programs that develop financial literacy and readiness for college and careers. W!se’s success is built on five pillars: relevancy, digital leadership, real-world experiences, volunteerism, and evaluation. Anderson became President & CEO of W!se when its founder, Phyllis Perillo, retired in 2022 and before that was W!se’s Executive Vice President responsible for the Financial Literacy and MoneyW!SE programs as well as partnerships, development, and marketing.
David Anderson joined W!se in 2007 after a career at Citigroup, where he was an executive in a unit that supports the process of financial sector/capital markets reform in developing countries. Before that, he held management positions at Citigroup in business development, marketing, mergers and acquisitions, and strategy. He holds a BA from University College, London and an MBA from Columbia University. He is on the adjunct faculty in the Economics Department at Drew University and served on the Advisory Board of Teachers College, Columbia University on Fiscal Sustainability; the Domestic Violence Committee of the NY Women’s Association; and The Teacher Workshop Scholarship Committee of ICE/NYSE.
David Anderson’s vision is to create a nation of financially literate, college- and career-ready young people who can succeed personally and professionally and meet the challenges of a global economy.
Nakiea Cook
Founder and Principal Consultant of NC Accounting & Consulting Solutions
Nakiea Cook, MBA, CFEI®, is a Fractional CFO, Financial Wellness Advocate and Instructor with more than a decade of experience in federal government auditing, including work supporting the Department of Defense. She earned her Master’s in Entrepreneurship from DeVry University and is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Business Administration at Northcentral University. Her background includes evaluating financial systems, internal controls, compliance, and stewardship of public funds in highly regulated environments.
Cook founded her current business, NC Accounting & Consulting Solutions, in 2016. She now focuses on financial education and systems-based financial leadership for nonprofits, small businesses, and community organizations. Her approach emphasizes building strong financial foundations through cash flow clarity, governance, accountability, and education – rather than reactive or transactional solutions.
Nakiea is a Certified Financial Education Instructor (CFEI®) who specializes in translating complex financial concepts into practical, accessible guidance. She no longer provides tax preparation services; her work centers on education, financial systems, and long-term financial wellness. Her perspective blends CFO-level expertise with a strong commitment to advocacy, prevention, and sustainable financial decision-making.
Cook has earned multiple honors including being named 2024 SBA Financial Champion of the Year and a Goldman Sachs One Million Black Women Alumna. She has been featured on Nasdaq, Business Insider, the NY Stock Exchange, and in WomLEAD Magazine and the Buffalo Business Journal.
Nakiea Cook is especially committed to supporting historically under-resourced organizations that are expected to operate with complex financial requirements but limited infrastructure. She views her role to be bringing structure, strategy, and education into environments where financial ambiguity creates risk.