NFEC launches Alabama affiliate to expand financial education

The National Financial Educators Council has opened the Alabama Financial Educators Council as a new state affiliate in Huntsville. The chapter is meant to expand access to financial education, build local partnerships and support economic empowerment efforts across Alabama. Why it matters: - The Alabama Financial Educators Council is designed to broaden access to financial education in a statewide, sustainable way. - The new affiliate is aimed at supporting economic empowerment and long-term improvements in financial well-being across Alabama. - The chapter adds a local structure for delivering financial education through community partnerships. What happened: - The National Financial Educators Council announced the formation of the Alabama Financial Educators Council as its newest state affiliate. - The launch was disclosed in Huntsville, Alabama, on June 18, 2026. - NFEC said the Alabama chapter will work to expand economic empowerment initiatives across the state. - NFEC CEO Vince Shorb said the affiliate will help the organization collaborate with individuals and organizations statewide. The details: - The Alabama Financial Educators Council is built around three objectives: expanding access to quality financial education resources through sustainable systems, raising awareness of financial education’s role in economic empowerment, and building partnerships that can deliver and sustain initiatives in communities. - The council has assembled an Advisory Board to support leadership and guide the organization’s work. - Renee Price, CFEI®, CPM, is listed as a founding member and board leader for the Alabama Financial Educators Council. - Price is a financial strategist and entrepreneur who founded Work Smart Solutions, a firm focused on helping small businesses become financially, operationally and compliance-ready. - Price also completed the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program and the Momentum Women’s Leadership program. - Price was named one of the Birmingham Business Journal’s Top 40 Under 40 in 2023. - Michael D. Fluker, CFP®, CFEI®, serves as a regional board member in Florida. - Fluker has more than 20 years of experience advancing economic opportunity through education, empowerment and community partnerships. - Fluker is manager of the Financial Wellbeing Program at Credit Union 1. - Dr. Shameka Jones, MD, serves as a regional board member in Georgia. - Jones is a physician, educator and community leader, and co-founder of the VeraRosa Higher Learning Scholarship. - Jones supports initiatives that expand access to STEM education and literacy. - Erick Sanon serves as a regional board member in Florida. - Sanon has more than two decades of experience in financial services, education and community advocacy. - Sanon is founder of BrightBridge Insurance and co-partner in UV Financial Solutions, where he specializes in Medicare planning. - The board will guide initiatives intended to improve financial education standards and promote lasting financial knowledge across Alabama. - Shorb said the organization appreciates the support of its advisory board, patrons and partners in building financial wellness programs with maximum impact. - The Alabama Financial Educators Council operates as a state-level affiliate of the National Financial Educators Council. - NFEC is a Certified B Corporation and an IACET Accredited Provider. - NFEC says its mission centers on financial education as a foundation for economic security and community wellness. - NFEC provides educators, legislators and advocates with resources and training to expand access to financial education globally. Between the lines: - The affiliate model suggests NFEC is trying to scale its work through localized leadership rather than a one-size-fits-all program. - The board’s mix of finance, education, health care and community experience points to an emphasis on practical outreach and cross-sector partnerships. - Alabama’s new chapter may help NFEC tailor financial education efforts to state and community needs while keeping a broader national framework. What’s next: - The Alabama Financial Educators Council will begin building partnerships and delivering initiatives across Alabama. - The advisory board will help shape programs, standards and local engagement as the chapter develops. - NFEC is likely to continue using state affiliates to extend its financial education footprint.