Alabama Financial Educators Council: About, Mission, Advisory Board
The Alabama 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 Alabama Financial Educators Council℠ is to build sustainable, scalable economic empowerment programs that have a real impact on people’s lives at the community level.
Alabama & Regional Advisory Board
The Alabama 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
Renee Price
Certified Financial Education Instructor, Birmingham, AL
Craig Hill
Founder & CEO of SPENDiD
Southeast Coastal Regional Advisory Board Members
LaQuetta McGill
Lending Optimization Consultant
Richard Cason
CEO and Editor in Chief of NewsMovesMarketsForex®
Richard Cautero
Board and Finance Committee Member at Goodwill Industries Manasota
Dr. Renée Baker
Founder and CEO of The RBI Group
Michelle Dobbins
VP of Marketing, Credit Union of Georgia
Reginald Bennett
CEO and President, The Legacy Empowerment Solutions Group
State Chapter Details & Affiliation with National Council
The Alabama 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 Alabama. 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.
Renee Price
Certified Financial Education Instructor, Birmingham, AL
Renee Price, CFEI®, CPM, and President of Work Smart Solutions in Birmingham, AL, is a Financial Strategist and entrepreneur with a focus on helping small businesses and founders become financially, operationally, and compliance-ready for sustainable growth. A lifetime educator, she earned an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Lawson State Community College; and credentials as a Certified Project Manager (CPM) from Star Global College and Certified Financial Education Instructor (CFEI®) from the National Financial Educators Council. Price also is a graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program and the Momentum Women’s Leadership program.
As founder of Work Smart and several other successful ventures, Renee has spent more than 10 years working with entrepreneurs to strengthen their financial foundations – from bookkeeping and tax strategy to operational systems that support long-term scalability and sustainability. In 2023 she was named one of the Top 40 Under 40 by the Birmingham Business Journal – Birmingham’s most prestigious honor for young achievers in business, civic and social accomplishments.
Renee’s small business support initiatives are grounded in the belief that access to capital alone is not enough. Many businesses fail to grow or sustain investment because they lack financial clarity, structure, and alignment. Her approach helps close that gap by preparing entrepreneurs to meet the expectations of lenders, investors, partners, and public-sector stakeholders.
Through her financial education pursuits, Renee supports economic empowerment by equipping individuals, families, and entrepreneurs with the tools, processes, and financial discipline they need to build strong, resilient financial foundations and contribute meaningfully to their communities. She is particularly passionate about supporting underserved business founders and emerging ecosystems where sustainable growth requires both opportunity and preparation.
Renee Price joins the AFEC Advisory Board with an objective to ensure that more Alabamans – especially women and small business owners – gain the financial confidence they need to thrive.
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.
LaQuetta McGill
Lender Optimization Consultant
An energetic, results-oriented community leader, LaQuetta McGill possesses more than two decades of experience spanning the banking, insurance, financial services, and sales sectors. She earned her BS in Business Administration from Columbia Southern University in 2009; and possesses credentials as a Certified Credit Union Financial Counselor, Certified Personal Financial Wellness Consultant (CPFWC), and Certified Financial Education Instructor (CFEI®). She currently serves dual roles as Lender Optimization Consultant with TruStage and Founder/CEO of MyPLAN Consulting Group and its nonprofit financial education arm, MyPLAN Forward.
McGill’s previous career experience includes Vice President at VyStar Credit Union, district and regional leadership positions, and championing leadership development initiatives. Her community service commitment has led to her participation on several boards and committees including the City of Daytona Beach Affordable Housing Advisory Board, Daytona Regional Chamber of Commerce Board & Strategic Planning Committee, United Way of Volusia-Flagler, and the Midtown Community Development Corporation Board. LaQuetta also is a member of The Links, Incorporated.
LaQuetta McGill founded MyPLAN Consulting Group, LLC with a mission to equip youth, families, and communities – particularly those often excluded from traditional financial learning opportunities – with high-impact financial education that helps them develop a foundation of money management, confidence, and self-sufficiency. The South Carolina Financial Educators Council recognizes LaQuetta’s dynamism, collaboration, and capability to inspire change and looks forward to working with her toward accomplishing our shared vision.
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.
Richard Cautero
Board and Finance Committee Member at Goodwill Industries Manasota
The Florida Financial Educators Council selected Richard Cautero as a member of its Advisory Board due to his distinguished career as a senior executive at a major multinational consumer company and board member at publicly-held and private companies, family-owned businesses, major nonprofits, and the government sector.
He is currently a board and finance committee member at Goodwill Industries Manasota, the Sarasota affiliate of Feeding America (All Faiths Food Bank), and the City of Venice Police Pension Fund. He previously served on the boards of Jones Soda Company (public company), Royal Bakers Distributing (private company), Ann’s Place (nonprofit cancer support organization), as well as numerous other boards and advisory committees.
Longtime Community Service Advocate: Richard Cautero
Rich formerly spent 30 years at Kraft Foods and its former parent company, Altria, in numerous leadership positions including Chief Financial Officer at Maxwell House Coffee and Vice President of Finance and Strategic Planning at Altria.
Rich is a longtime advocate of community and public service. He also previously served as a two-term elected Council Member at the City of Venice, Florida. He completed his second term in 2021. Rich was also elected Vice Mayor three times, in 2017, 2019, and 2021.
Cautero holds a BBA in Accounting and an MBA in Finance and Investments from Hofstra University.
Commenting on his Advisory Board appointment, Rich stated, “I am excited about the opportunity to assist the National Financial Educators Council advocating for initiatives in support of greater financial security and wellness for communities and individuals.”
Dr. Renée Baker
Founder and CEO of The RBI Group
Advisory Board Member Dr. Renée Baker, DBA, RCC™️ is the Founder and CEO of The RBI Group, a company committed to educating, empowering, and elevating individuals and organizations toward financial success and freedom. Throughout her extensive career in financial services and academia, Dr. Baker has continuously championed actionable financial strategies, guiding numerous individuals and entities toward reaching their financial goals.
In her capacity as an Advisory Board Member, Dr. Baker advocates for financial education. Known as a forerunner in advancing financial literacy, especially in Florida, her influence stretches well beyond the realm of finance. Her commitment spans community development, mentorship, and all-encompassing growth. Recognized for her expertise, Dr. Baker has received significant acknowledgment, marking her as an authority in financial well-being and community leadership both in Florida and beyond.
Dr. Baker’s educational credentials include a Bachelor of Science degree in finance from Rutgers University, a Master of Business Administration degree from The Pennsylvania State University, and a doctorate in Business Administration from Wilmington University. Her expansive knowledge is further enhanced by her completion of executive education at the Securities Industry Institute, co-hosted by SIFMA and Wharton.
Professionally, she holds Series 6, 7, 26, and 63 licenses and is a registered corporate coach. With this diverse skill set, she delivers unique financial mentorship and strategies, ensuring actionable outcomes and tailored financial education solutions.
Forming a Language of Empowerment: Dr. Renée Baker
I grew up in humble beginnings, in a family where money was rarely discussed. It wasn’t until I got into college that I started to understand money and my personal finances and became able to share that information with my family and community. Nearly 30 years later, I founded The RBI Group to be a solution provider: bridge the chasm of wealth inequality, uplift living standards, stimulate economic opportunities, and ultimately revolutionize our global landscape. Having a fundamental understanding of money management doesn’t just equip individuals to navigate their finances adeptly; it also gives them a potent arsenal of tools – and the unshakable confidence – to journey toward wealth creation, regardless of scale.
I feel a strong commitment to my community, which has inspired me to become involved in various community boards. For example, I serve on the Susan B. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation board, chairing the Investment Committee. I am Chair of the Admiral Society for United Way Suncoast; a board member of Girls Inc., Pinellas, where I serve on the Finance Committee; and Treasurer for the IDEA Charter Schools Fiduciary Board for Florida. I also hold the title of Lifetime Member of Leadership Florida.
I feel that empowering people with the vital knowledge of financial literacy and guiding businesses with strategic marketing consulting isn’t just a mission; it’s a calling. As an Advisory Board member of the Florida Financial Educators Council, I bring my passions to the table: forming a language of empowerment, an art of resilience, and a pathway to boundless opportunities for Floridians and individuals all across 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.
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.