Notes from the Executive Director

Written By: Rebecca Wiggins

In January 2013, AFCPE^® engaged in intensive, strategic planning discussions among the staff, Board of Directors and thought-leaders in the field. Through this collaborative process, a shared vision for the future of the financial counseling field emerged:

• To have a nationally recognized designation through the establishment of educational and ethical standards;
• To improve access to financial counseling professionals;
• To increase financial understanding and capacity; and
• To foster the importance of financial health to an individual’s overall well-being.

Since then, we have worked with you to expand partnerships and programs, and are proud to have earned the NCCA Accreditation for the AFC^® certification program. This summer, AFCPE will hold another strategic planning meeting to build upon these achievements, and ensure continued success and positive growth for the field and for our professionals.

Specifically, we are focused on enhancing career development opportunities, raising awareness for AFCPE designations, and expanding our reach to ensure that all people have access to the highest professional standard of financial counseling and education. We appreciate your ongoing support and advocacy, and look forward to sharing outcomes from our strategic planning retreat.

“Keep your eyes on the stars and your feet on the ground.” — Franklin D. Roosevelt

2016 Symposium

Each year, the symposium brings together a diverse group of professionals from across the field for a week of shared research, training, and networking. This year our theme is Racing for the Triple Crown: Achieving Accreditation, Educating Clients & Changing Behaviors. In addition to a well-rounded program featuring excellent speakers and important topics, we are thrilled to host the second annual Student Financial Counseling Knowledge Bowl and AFCPE Pro Bono Community Day. These events help to raise awareness for the value of the AFC^® and have a positive impact on the local community. Mark your calendars for November 16–18 at the Marriott Downtown in Louisville, Kentucky—we look forward to seeing you there!

Program Updates

AFCPE continues to work with Armed Forces Services Corporation (AFSC) on the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)’s National Financial Coaching Project, which requires the AFC^® designation, as well as training with Master Financial Coach Trainer and AFCPE partner, Saundra Davis of Sage Financial Solutions.

This year, AFCPE is partnering with the Wounded Warrior Project, Operation Homefront, and USA Cares on a national pilot project to provide financial assistance and guidance to wounded post-9/11 veterans. AFC professionals play a crucial role as financial case managers to help veterans achieve long-term financial security. The pilot program has been successful and we look forward to expanding to additional sites across the country.

AFCPE Advocates

We continue to look for partnerships and initiatives that help advance the field by building a continuum of care and creating a more inclusive financial system. In particular, we are focused on building career opportunities for our professionals in various sectors. You can help us by being an AFCPE Advocate in your community, place of employment, or even on social media raising awareness for the importance of the highest standards in this profession.

Get to Know the AFCPE Staff

Judith Obiofuma—Judy is our Post Certification Program Coordinator, overseeing the CEU Approval Process and partnership development to promote valuable programs for our certificants. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from The Ohio State University and a Master of Arts degree from Kennesaw State University. Her background is working with military members transitioning from the military to the civilian sector and working in higher education. She is a registered licensed Life and Investment Adviser Representative and helps families and clients in her off-hours to properly prepare for their financial future.