Press
Richard Myles Johnson Foundation introduces new advisory committee
(February 3, 2015) — The Richard Myles Johnson (RMJ) Foundation—the state foundation for credit unions in California and Nevada—has a new advisory committee that will provide advice, guidance, and active support of the Foundation’s initiatives, including Bite of Reality, a hands-on simulation program that teaches budgeting skills to young people.
The Financial Literacy Corps is comprised of the former board members of the California and Nevada Youth Involvement Network (CNYIN). In addition to providing support for the Bite of Reality program, members will also provide the Foundation with new ideas and best practices regarding youth financial literacy.
The CNYIN board decided late last year to officially dissolve as a group and join the RMJ Foundation as an advisory committee. Board members cited the combined synergy of CNYIN and RMJ would be stronger as a single organization rather than as separate entities.
“For the last several years, the collaboration between CNYIN and RMJ had grown considerably, particularly in the CNYIN’s support of the Bite of Reality program,” said Tena Lozano, executive director of the RMJ Foundation. “Since both organizations have a mission to support the delivery of financial literacy education to the youth of California and Nevada, it made sense to the boards of both CNYIN and RMJ to officially join forces.”
“The board members of the CNYIN are excited about moving forward with this collaborative relationship with the RMJ Foundation,” said CNYIN board president Lee Alderman, AVP Training & Financial Literacy at Redwood Credit Union in Santa Rosa, CA. “The board believes this relationship will help achieve our group’s initial goal: to prepare the youth of California and Nevada to make wise financial management decisions as they prepare for the next chapter in their lives.”
The committee will consist of 5-10 credit union employees and volunteers actively involved in financial literacy programs for youth with a strong interest in reality fairs. The initial committee consists of Alderman; Sharon Tallon, Patelco Credit Union (Pleasanton, CA); Courtney Derby, San Francisco Federal Credit Union; Mike Jones, Educational Employees Credit Union (Fresno, CA); Tiffany Zachmeier, Bay Federal Credit Union (Capitola, CA); Stephanie Boydell, Golden 1 Credit Union (Sacramento, CA); and Haley Gwinn, Greater Nevada Credit Union (Carson City, NV).
The Richard Myles Johnson Foundation, founded in 1958, is dedicated to supporting credit union efforts in spreading the financial literacy message to young people. The Foundation offers the Bite of Reality program, a hands-on simulation program that teaches the basics of finances to teenagers. It is funded through donations from credit unions, League chapters, corporations providing credit union services, and individuals. More information about the Foundation is available at its website at www.rmjfoundation.org.