National Foundation For Credit Counseling Honors 2009 Educator of the Year

Silver Spring, MD – If our nation’s financial future lies in the hands of the children, then the National Foundation for Credit Counseling’s (NFCC) 2009 Educator of the Year, Debra Lee, is definitely doing her part to advance their financial literacy.  The NFCC was proud to honor Lee at its recent 44th Annual Leaders Conference in Washington, DC.

In addition to her outreach as Director of Education for Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Southern West Virginia, Lee is also a member of the West Virginia Networth Coalition.  Members are tasked with developing and implementing a required financial education curriculum for all West Virginia high school students.  Further demonstrating her dedication to bringing financial literacy to the children of her state, Lee involves area schools in the annual NFCC Financial Literacy Poster Contest, and has even developed age-specific games and activities to enhance her delivery of financial information through the school system.  

The Outstanding Individual Educator Award is a part of the NFCC’s Professional Achievement and Counseling Excellence (PACE) Awards program.  The award recognizes the winner’s advocacy and contributions to the community, the example they set for their peers in professional and ethical behavior, the creativity, innovation, and resourcefulness used to motivate consumers, and their dedication to professional and personal development.

“It is a true honor to be able to recognize the hard work and dedication of an educator like Debra Lee,” said NFCC Board Chair Michele Johnson.  “Her work serves as an inspiration for other educators, as she has definitely made a positive impact on her community through her tireless teaching of practical money and credit management.”

“Debra is in the business of changing lives for the better through financial education, teaching sound financial practices, and constantly encouraging consumers to build financial security,” said Jeff Wise, president and CEO of Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Southern West Virginia.  

The National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC), founded in 1951, is the nation’s largest and longest serving national nonprofit credit counseling organization. The NFCC’s mission is to promote the national agenda for financially responsible behavior and build capacity for its members to deliver the highest quality financial education and counseling services. NFCC Members annually help more than three million consumers through close to 850 community-based offices nationwide. For free and affordable confidential advice through a reputable NFCC Member, call (800) 388-2227, (en Español (800) 682-9832) or visit www.nfcc.org.