Maryland Financial Educators Council: About, Mission, Advisory Board
The Maryland 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 Maryland Financial Educators Council℠ is to build sustainable, scalable economic empowerment programs that have a real impact on people’s lives at the community level.
Maryland & Regional Advisory Board
The Maryland 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
Andrew Lendnal
Financial Wellness Expert, Banking and Financial Services Executive, Bestselling Author and Speaker
Andrew Lendnal
Financial Wellness Expert, Banking and Financial Services Executive, Bestselling Author and Speaker
Hailing from New Zealand, Financial Wellness Expert, Banking and Financial Services Executive Andrew Lendnal has made Washington D.C. his home, where he lives with his wife and three daughters. A distinguished alumnus, Andrew holds a Bachelor of Commerce and a Bachelor of Science from Victoria University of Wellington, as well as an MBA from Massey University. Alongside these academic accolades, he also attained the Series 7 and Series 63 financial certifications. With over two decades in the industry, Advisory Board Member Andrew Lendnal has made an indelible mark in the financial wellness arena. More than just a financial expert, he’s fervently passionate about guiding individuals toward financial stability and independence. Holding the Certified Financial Education Instructor (CFEI®) designation through the NFEC, Andrew’s dedication has positioned him at the forefront of the workplace financial wellness movement and its related communities.
Bestselling Author and Speaker for Financial Wellness: Andrew Lendnal
Andrew Lendnal is an internationally bestselling author who has written seven books simplifying intricate financial concepts for readers of all backgrounds. Titles such as ‘Gold Start’, ‘Budget Wise Dollar Rich’, and ‘Catalyst’ have received global recognition. Moreover, his children’s series, ‘Money $mart’, paves the way for the financial literacy of future generations. Beyond Australasia, Andrew’s influence in the media landscape has expanded, with regular appearances on ‘Good Morning’ and authorship of authoritative columns cementing his reputation as a trusted financial voice in the U.S.
Recognized worldwide as a compelling speaker, Andrew skillfully blends education with engagement, captivating the attention of audiences globally. While serving pivotal roles in esteemed firms like Morgan Stanley, KeyCorp, and Morningstar Inc., Andrew has meticulously devised and navigated financial wellness strategies that resonate with employees predominantly at Fortune 500 companies. In 2020, his significant contributions were spotlighted when a New York Times journalist named him one of the top five leaders championing financial wellness in the workplace. Andrew remains committed to his mission: guiding the path toward financial enlightenment and empowerment.
Robert Kinzer
Retired Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) Community Affairs
Robert Kinzer
Retired Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) Community Affairs
Robert Kinzer retired from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) in 2017 after 31 years of service. He served as a Senior Community Affairs Specialist for the FDIC in his final two years. He traveled throughout the United States teaching and promoting financial education and economic inclusion to state legislators, education administrators, teachers, and consumers. The majority of Mr. Kinzer’s years at the FDIC were served as a Senior Financial Management Analyst, in which role he produced the corporation’s monthly and quarterly financials to be distributed to the FDIC Chairman and Board, Executives and Managers, Congress, and the public.
Mr. Kinzer has received the FDIC Chairman’s Nancy K. Rector Award for public service. He is a Senior Fellow with the Partnership for Public Service and a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. Mr. Kinzer is a native of Washington, D.C. and a graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School. He attended Penn State University and Texas A&I University, and received his undergraduate degree in Sociology and Anthropology from the University of the District of Columbia. After attending college, Mr. Kinzer played professional basketball in England and Scotland for five years.
Mideast Regional Advisory Board Members
Bola Sokunbi
Keynote Speaker, Founder of Clever Girl Finance®, and author of Clever Girl Millionaire
Bola Sokunbi
Keynote Speaker, Founder of Clever Girl Finance®, and author of Clever Girl Millionaire
Bola’s work and community service has been honored with multiple awards, including being named one of Money’s Most Influential Women by GoBankingRates and being 2021 recipient of the NFEC’s Financial Education Instructor of the Year (FEIY) Award. The NFEC also has designated Clever Girl Finance as a Distinguished Personal Finance Content developer, indicating that the platform passed a rigorous review process that showcases its commitment to the highest quality of evidence-based financial education.
Sokunbi founded Clever Girl Finance as a mission-driven enterprise that provides women with financial guidance and support to build confidence and make smart money decisions that transform their lives. Since 2020 the company has offered resources that include personal finance courses, mentorship, daily articles, podcasts, and video content – all in a non-shaming environment and completely free.
In addition, Bola conducts community outreach and advocacy, partnering with organizations and influencers to spearhead economic empowerment through financial education on a global scale.
The NJFEC is looking forward to gaining Bola Sokunbi’s insights and contributions as we pursue our shared vision in the coming years.
Barry Feigenbaum
Managing Member, Feigenbaum Associates
Barry Feigenbaum
Managing Member, Feigenbaum Associates LLC
Barry Feigenbaum brings a wealth of experience, knowledge, and transformational success to his position on the New Jersey Financial Educators Council Advisory Board. Possessing an MBA in Finance “With Distinction” from the UPenn Wharton School and both a BA and MA from George Washington University, Feigenbaum has nearly four decades of experience in the banking industry. Upon retirement from banking, he launched his own enterprise – Feigenbaum Associates – as a vehicle for delivering financial education. He earned credentials as a Certified Financial Professional (CFP®), Retirement Income Certified Professional® from the American College of Financial Services (where he also teaches as an adjunct professor), and Certified Financial Education Instructor (CFEI®) from the NFEC.
Through his business endeavor, Barry provides financial education to various audiences, primarily for corporate clients seeking to educate employee groups with retirement planning or lifetime savings programs. In addition, he donates a significant proportion of his time to volunteer efforts. These in-kind donations include a financial wellness program for stressed women through the Women’s Rights Information Center in Englewood, NJ; and financial education for foster youth through Cents Ability in Hackensack. Feigenbaum also has served on the finance committee and board of Jewish Family and Children’s Services of Northern New Jersey; secretary and member of Cedar Lane Management Group in Teaneck, NJ; and is current Endowment Committee chair for Congregation Beth Shalom, also in Teaneck.
Barry Feigenbaum views financial education as playing a crucial role in empowering individuals by giving them the knowledge and incentive to evaluate their current situations, set goals, and make vital personal finance decisions. He has demonstrated his commitment to spreading this education as widely as possible, without ever selling or recommending products. The New Jersey Financial Educators Council anticipates a lengthy and productive relationship with Barry as we move forward toward achieving our shared vision.
State Chapter Details & Affiliation with National Council
The Maryland 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 Maryland. 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.
Dr. Corey Beckett
Chief Financial Officer, United States Secret Service Deputy
Corey Beckett, a member of the Federal Government’s Senior Executive Service, has been the United States Secret Service Deputy Chief Financial Officer since April 2017. In this role, he provides executive leadership for the development and execution of a $2 billion enterprise budget and portfolio resourcing the agency’s integrated missions of protection and criminal investigation. He oversees the definition, development, implementation, and stewardship of all Secret Service program budgeting of resources, as well as all agency internal financial management, relocation, travel, and procurement processes.
Before assuming his current position, Mr. Beckett was the Comptroller and Chief Financial Officer for the United States Defense Security Service (DSS). In this capacity, he was the primary advisor to the Director, DSS in the areas of budget formulation, budget execution, financial management and policy, financial systems, and cost reporting. He also provided executive leadership to the agency’s safety, logistics, and facility management programs and contracting offices.
Mr. Beckett began his federal government service as a Budget Analyst within the Office of the Secretary of Navy, Comptroller, with assignments throughout the Department of the Navy to include Headquarters, Systems Command, Fleet Staffs, and the Office of the Secretary of Defense. From 1993–2006, Mr. Beckett held a variety of positions with increasing responsibility at both the headquarters and field level of the Department of the Navy, in which he was responsible for planning and programming, budget formulation, justification and execution for a variety of operating and investment programs. Mr. Beckett is also an adjunct professor of Public Administration at several colleges and universities where he teaches a variety of courses.
Mr. Beckett holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Tuskegee University, a Master of Public Administration degree from Central Michigan University, and a Doctor of Public Administration degree from the University of Baltimore.
Ramona Jones
Financial Planner, Chesterfield County, VA
Ramona Jones is a U.S. Navy Veteran who retired after 21 years of dedicated service. She earned a Bachelor’s in Business Administration and a Master’s in Healthcare Management from American InterContinental University; a Certificate in Financial Planning from Liberty University; and Project Management Professional (PMP) certification from the Project Management Institute. Jones is a “How Money Works” Educator through “Wealthwave”; a licensed insurance agent for the states of VA, FL, SC, and GA; and a Notary Official for the state of Virginia.
Ramona’s over two-decade career gave her a deep understanding of financial systems through business relationships with the three credit bureaus, management of million-dollar budgets, facilitating various financial consortiums, and developing financial management processes for several agencies. In 2023 she founded Jeunibe Financial Advisory, an enterprise specializing in holistic planning strategies and tailored financial solutions that guide individuals and their families toward financial independence.
Participating on the VFEC Advisory Board helps Ramona Jones advance her passion for helping others – particularly as they strive to build financial confidence, establish financial security, and achieve their financial goals. She has worked with individuals and families from all backgrounds and appreciates the unique challenges faced by underserved communities who lack appropriate financial education resources. Jones places high value on the power of financial literacy and the impact it can have to improve people’s lives.
David Anderson
President & CEO of W!se
David Anderson, President & CEO, leads the effort to achieve W!se’s mission to improve economic mobility of young Americans and at-risk adults through programs that develop financial literacy and readiness for college and careers. W!se’s success is built on five pillars: relevancy, digital leadership, real-world experiences, volunteerism, and evaluation. Anderson became President & CEO of W!se when its founder, Phyllis Perillo, retired in 2022 and before that was W!se’s Executive Vice President responsible for the Financial Literacy and MoneyW!SE programs as well as partnerships, development, and marketing.
David Anderson joined W!se in 2007 after a career at Citigroup, where he was an executive in a unit that supports the process of financial sector/capital markets reform in developing countries. Before that, he held management positions at Citigroup in business development, marketing, mergers and acquisitions, and strategy. He holds a BA from University College, London and an MBA from Columbia University. He is on the adjunct faculty in the Economics Department at Drew University and served on the Advisory Board of Teachers College, Columbia University on Fiscal Sustainability; the Domestic Violence Committee of the NY Women’s Association; and The Teacher Workshop Scholarship Committee of ICE/NYSE.
David Anderson’s vision is to create a nation of financially literate, college- and career-ready young people who can succeed personally and professionally and meet the challenges of a global economy.
Nakiea Cook
Founder and Principal Consultant of NC Accounting & Consulting Solutions
Nakiea Cook, MBA, CFEI®, is a Fractional CFO, Financial Wellness Advocate and Instructor with more than a decade of experience in federal government auditing, including work supporting the Department of Defense. She earned her Master’s in Entrepreneurship from DeVry University and is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Business Administration at Northcentral University. Her background includes evaluating financial systems, internal controls, compliance, and stewardship of public funds in highly regulated environments.
Cook founded her current business, NC Accounting & Consulting Solutions, in 2016. She now focuses on financial education and systems-based financial leadership for nonprofits, small businesses, and community organizations. Her approach emphasizes building strong financial foundations through cash flow clarity, governance, accountability, and education – rather than reactive or transactional solutions.
Nakiea is a Certified Financial Education Instructor (CFEI®) who specializes in translating complex financial concepts into practical, accessible guidance. She no longer provides tax preparation services; her work centers on education, financial systems, and long-term financial wellness. Her perspective blends CFO-level expertise with a strong commitment to advocacy, prevention, and sustainable financial decision-making.
Cook has earned multiple honors including being named 2024 SBA Financial Champion of the Year and a Goldman Sachs One Million Black Women Alumna. She has been featured on Nasdaq, Business Insider, the NY Stock Exchange, and in WomLEAD Magazine and the Buffalo Business Journal.
Nakiea Cook is especially committed to supporting historically under-resourced organizations that are expected to operate with complex financial requirements but limited infrastructure. She views her role to be bringing structure, strategy, and education into environments where financial ambiguity creates risk.
Dr. Darvincia Warren
The Money Chic, Washington, D.C.
Dr. Darvincia Warren, a visionary entrepreneur commonly known as The Money ChicTM, joins the Maryland Financial Educators Council (MDFEC) Advisory Board with more than a decade of financial industry experience and a lifetime commitment to financial empowerment and community leadership. She is Founder and CEO of CORE DMV, an SBA-recognized women-owned small business that takes a groundbreaking approach to helping individuals and families build secure financial futures through expert guidance and providing access to high-quality resources. The organization’s work spans individual coaching, tax strategy, credit solutions, insurance, and investment planning, with an aim to break cycles of poverty and make financial freedom accessible to individuals at every life stage.
Beyond her business enterprise, Dr. Warren exhibits a powerful dedication to community service, particularly in the area of youth development – serving as mentor and speaker at the District 8 Student Leadership Summit and the Youth Wealth Summit to help young people build financial awareness and confidence. She also completed the Goldman Sachs One Million Black Women: Black in Business program and the AstraZeneca Small Business Mentorship Program, accomplishments she views as validation of her mission and business enhancement rather than an endpoint. In addition, she serves on the Maryland Comptroller’s Financial Literacy Advisory Council.
In 2025, Darvincia Warren was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Humanitarianism. This recognition underscores her impact not only in the business world but also in community involvement, mentorship, and advocacy for economic equity. The honor is accompanied by a host of major achievements including the 2025 WPO Entrepreneurial Women of Impact Award, 2025 Minority Business of the Year (Prince George’s Chamber of Commerce), 2025 Trailblazer of the Year, 2025 Who’s Who in Black Award honoree, 2024 Women of Courage Award, and a 2023 Most Impactful EntrepreHer Award. Dr. Warren has been recognized by DC Mayor Muriel Bowser and the Prince George County Council for her contributions to financial empowerment, such as the establishment of Money Smart Week during National Financial Literacy Month.
The MDFEC firmly believes that Dr. Darvincia Warren’s background and commitment to making financial freedom accessible, achievable, and equitable for all makes her a powerful addition to its Advisory Board. We anticipate a fruitful and long-lasting relationship with Dr. Warren going forward.