Financial Beginnings Welcomes Senator Rick Metsger and Michael Parker to its Board of Directors

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) September 23, 2010 -- Financial Beginnings, a Portland-based nonprofit that provides financial education at no cost to children and young adults throughout the Pacific Northwest, today announced that Oregon Senator Rick Metsger and Michael Parker, executive director of the Oregon 529 College Savings Network, have been elected to its board of directors. Metzger and Parker were elected by Financial Beginnings’ board at the September board meeting.

“Both Senator Metsger and Michael Parker are tremendous additions to Financial Beginnings’ board and bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to help our cause,” said Melody Thompson, executive director of Financial Beginnings. “We look forward to leveraging their leadership skills and financial services experiences to support our growth as we serve and educate more Oregon and SW Washington youth.”

Senator Metsger started his professional career as a teacher at Sam Barlow High School in Gresham, Oregon and later served as an assistant basketball coach at his alma mater, Lewis & Clark College. He also served on the board of directors as vice-chairman of the Portland Teachers Credit Union—now known as OnPoint Community Credit Union. Metsger was first elected to the Oregon Senate in 1998 and was re-elected in 2002 and 2006. He has served as a legislative leader in the areas of transportation, early childhood development, career training and consumer protection.

Michael Parker has served the state of Oregon in a number of capacities for more than 17 years. In 2006, Parker developed and launched the State Treasurer’s Reading is an Investment program, a state-wide elementary school literacy and financial education program. In 2008, he served on the Legislative Task Force on Civics and Financial Education. In addition to his service to the State, Parker has served his local community as a former member of the Salem/Keizer School Board. He is currently the executive director of the Oregon 529 College Savings Network and is responsible for all aspects of operations, including investment oversight, portfolio construction, marketing, plan design and budgeting.

About Financial Beginnings

Formed in 2005 and based in Portland, OR, Financial Beginnings is a nonprofit organization that provides multi-session courses, free of charge, to students and young adults throughout the Pacific Northwest through visits to their individual schools or community groups. The courses incorporate all aspects of personal finance to provide individuals the
foundation needed to make informed financial decisions. More information is available at www.financialbeginnings.org.

education     Financial Beginnings     financial education     financial literacy     nonprofit organizations