Illinois Financial Educators Council: About, Mission, Advisory Board
The Illinois 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 Illinois Financial Educators Council℠ is to build sustainable, scalable economic empowerment programs that have a real impact on people’s lives at the community level.
State Chapter Details & Affiliation with National Council
The Illinois 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 Illinois. 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.
Advisory Board
The Illinois 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.
Elizabeth Cruz
Owner and Founder of Moxie Financial Wellness
Elizabeth Cruz was chosen as a member of the Illinois Financial Educators Council’s Advisory Board due to her substantial financial coaching experience and positioning in alignment with the National Financial Educators Council’s values and mission. As a Certified Personal Financial Wellness Consultant, Advisory Board Member Elizabeth Cruz stands out in the financial counseling arena for her skill, empathy, and professionalism. Her unique mixture of academic and practical experience strongly qualifies her to offer insight and strategic guidance to help bring greater financial wellness to Illinois communities.
Qualifications for selection to the Advisory Board include dedication to the financial wellness cause, a passion for helping others, and a background in community service. Elizabeth Cruz meets and exceeds all these criteria. The Illinois Financial Educators Council anticipates a long-term relationship with Elizabeth that supports and sustains its vision for the future.
Inspiring Stability and Prosperity through Financial Education: Elizabeth Cruz
I am Elizabeth Cruz, owner and founder of Moxie Financial Wellness and it is with great enthusiasm that I join the Illinois Financial Educators Council (IFEC) Advisory Board. My dedication to empowering individuals and organizations to achieve their financial goals lies at the heart of my professional journey. With extensive experience in financial coaching, I am committed to guiding others toward identifying and reaching their financial aspirations.
My path as a financial coach is fueled by the steadfast belief that effective financial management is key to prosperity and stability, for both individuals and businesses. My specialized expertise focuses on assisting clients to set clear financial goals and providing the support and guidance they need to navigate their journey toward those objectives.
My qualifications include a Master’s Degree from Arizona State University and a Bachelor’s Degree from Loyola University of Chicago, complementing my certification as a financial coach. This blend of academic achievement and practical experience forms the foundation of my approach to financial education and advising.
As a member of the IFEC Advisory Board, I am eager to offer insights that combine practical financial management with strategic decision-making.
This role represents not just a professional commitment but a personal one as well – to advance the cause of financial literacy and empowerment. I look forward to collaborating with my fellow board members and making a meaningful impact in the lives of the individuals and communities we serve.
Craig Hill
Founder and CEO of SPENDiD
Craig Hill was selected to serve on the Illinois Financial Educators Council (IFEC) Advisory Board due to his leadership in the personal finance management sector and his commitment to improving financial wellness for Illinoisans 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 IFEC’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 Illinois 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 Illinois 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.
Darrin “Boomer” Williams
CEO of Vertex Credit & Financial
With a Master’s Degree in Human Resources from The University of Arizona and a double bachelor’s degree in Communications & Business Management from Loyola University of Chicago, Advisory Board Member Darrin “Boomer” Williams brings his strong dedication to personal growth to his participation on the Illinois Financial Educators Council Advisory Board. As a Certified Personal Finance Expert, he also serves as CEO of Vertex Credit & Financial, providing invaluable financial coaching and credit education tailored to aspiring and established professional athletes within their industry.
Through Vertex, Darrin partners with schools, colleges, universities, businesses, nonprofits, and government agencies, aiming to serve at-risk and underserved markets. Leveraging his experience as a retired professional basketball champion, he assists participants in achieving a successful financial transition, from building credit to developing solid money management skills. All participants can expect to receive tangible results and personalized recommendations to help them progress toward their financial objectives.
With his blend of athletic prowess, entrepreneurial acumen, and philanthropic spirit, Darrin “Boomer” Williams continues to inspire and uplift those around him, both on and off the court.
Passion for Empowering Future Leaders: Darrin “Boomer” Williams
Meet Darrin “Boomer” Williams, a towering figure in the world of professional sports. Originally hailing from Detroit, Michigan, his passion for the game has propelled him to the highest levels of competition worldwide. With a remarkable 10-year career adorned with championships and All-Star accolades, he has indisputably made his mark on the sport of basketball.
Darrin’s journey has been one of boundless exploration, spanning three continents and traversing 30 countries during his illustrious career. His experiences, both on and off the court, have fueled the creation of “Basketball Secrets: 10 Secrets to Become a Professional Basketball Player.” This comprehensive guide, born from his wealth of knowledge and expertise, has achieved bestseller status on Amazon and was recently recognized as one of the top 100 Basketball Books of All Time by Book Authority.
Beyond his athletic feats, Darrin’s philanthropic endeavors shine brightly. Through his influence in sports and entertainment, he has spearheaded efforts that have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for charitable causes. His commitment to community upliftment extends far and wide, with high-impact initiatives touching lives both locally and internationally. In his role as Advisory Board Member to the Illinois Financial Educators Council, Darrin is actively engaged in fostering positive change and empowering future leaders across Illinois and beyond.
Matt J. Goren, PhD, CFP®
Vice President of Financial Planning Education, CeriFi / Dalton Education
Dr. Matt J. Goren, PhD, CFP® is responsible for the strategic direction and overall profitability of a financial planning product line for CeriFi that includes Dalton Education and Dalton Review. In this role he works with the content, instructional design, innovation, and faculty teams to create an industry-leading financial education student experience. An acclaimed teacher and speaker, Dr. Goren focuses on the interplay between personal finance and psychology. His radio show and podcast, Nothing Funny About Money, was named 2018’s most outstanding consumer financial information resource by the Association for Financial Counseling & Planning Education (AFCPE).
A former Assistant Professor at the American College of Financial Services, Dr. Goren has created and expanded financial literacy programs that now help thousands of students ranging in age from children to seniors. In 2017, his team at the University of Georgia’s ASPIRE Clinic was named Pro Bono Advisors of the Year by Financial Planning Magazine.
Dr. Goren received his PhD in Social Psychology from the University of California, Berkeley in 2014 and his CFP® designation in 2018. His courses and programs have won national awards from ThinkAdvisor, Investopedia, Yahoo! Finance, and the AFCPE. In 2022, Investment News honored Goren’s work by naming him one of the “40 under 40.” He brings this unique combination of education and expertise to bear as he contributes to the Illinois Financial Educators Council’s Advisory Board.
Dr. Tim Shimp, EdD
Educational Learning Designer with DLR Group, Retired Superintendent of Schools, Yorkville CUSD
Over his 27 years as an educational leader, Dr. Timothy Shimp has been instrumental in curriculum development and instructional best practice implementation; raising student achievement outcomes; bringing greater equity, access, and rigor to student learning experiences; and supporting a district culture of personalized learning.
With an MA in Educational Administration from Northern Illinois University and an EdD in Educational Leadership and Administration from Aurora University, Dr. Shimp demonstrates a strong history of working in the pre-K – 12 education industry. He brings skills in Educational Instructional Practice, Strategic Planning, Organizational Branding, Leadership, Systems Thinking and Change, and Personalized Learning to his participation on the Illinois Financial Educators Council Advisory Board.
Dr. Shimp believes that communities must partner together to bring timely and relevant financial education to all generations, help individuals and families change their stories and gain a true understanding of their financial situations, provide education and proven life-changing solutions to ignite optimism and progress, and assist individuals to solidify behaviors and create action plans to eliminate debt and gain wealth.
Heidi Albert
Director, People & Culture for The Greenwood Project
Advisory Board Member Heidi Albert’s role as Director of People & Culture for The Greenwood Project, a 501(c)3 organization dedicated to bridging the gap for students of color to achieve high-trajectory careers in financial services, is just one factor behind her selection to the Illinois Financial Educators Council Advisory Board. Her more than two decades of experience in finance, business, and HR as a change agent and strong track record of driving talent and learning and development solutions that increase inclusion and engagement also recommended her highly for this position.
Albert holds a JD from New York University School of Law and a BA with Honors from Trinity College. She has completed the CHRO Executive Education programs at Wharton and holds certificates in DEIB/Culture from Cornell University, Harvard Professional Development Program, and the Yale School of Management Executive Education Program.
True Passion for Promoting Youth Financial Literacy and Inclusion: Heidi Albert
Albert’s work for The Greenwood Project includes introducing and preparing talented Black and Latino college students to enter the financial services industry through exposure, education, and internship experience. She was selected to lead Greenwood’s HR functions, reporting to the CEO as a key member of the leadership team to foster employee growth, strategic partnerships, and improved overall organizational performance.
This current role brings Heidi’s career full circle, as she created a successful nonprofit years ago that fostered financial literacy and inclusion for young people. In truth, financial inclusion is Heidi Albert’s passion. She is honored to join the Illinois Financial Educators Council Advisory Board.
Dustin Voss
Financial Education Specialist State: Illinois
Advisory Board Member Dustin Voss brings his strong background in state-of-the-art education, relationship-building, and community involvement to the forefront of the Illinois Financial Educators Council Advisory Board’s agenda. Raised in the western Chicago Suburbs, Voss began his career in education in 2007 with Chicago Public Schools (CPS). After 13 years of successful teaching at Fenger High School in Chicago, Dustin accepted his current position as Financial Education Specialist for CPS, where he is charged to make sure every student in the district gains a strong foundation in financial literacy.
Dustin’s qualifications include achieving national board certification while teaching Civics & Finance. He also holds a principal license and Masters degree in Curriculum & Instruction from Chicago State University and American College of Education, respectively. Voss currently serves on the oversight board for the district 403b/457 Supplemental Retirement Program, a program that has been awarded an A+ grade by 403bwise.org and for which Dustin is an advocate.
Empowering Illinois Youth to Achieve their Financial Goals: Dustin Voss
As Financial Education Specialist, Dustin Voss trains teachers and fine-tunes curriculum to ensure that every Chicago student is empowered toward achieving future financial security. His teaching experience has included involvement in several leadership roles such as Instructional Coach, Local School Council representative, and Union Delegate. He previously was a member of the Governor’s Task Force for Financial Empowerment (2022).
Voss has substantial skill in curriculum development, including materials being utilized today in the Chicago Public Schools. His goal for participation on the Illinois Financial Educators Council Advisory Board is to expand and deepen financial education across the state, while raising awareness about the aspects of identity, relationships, and community that make finances personal to each of us. Over the years he has developed the moral imperative by which he still lives: that students are powerful, they become more powerful, and they will use that power for what they decide is good.