Matt Birkelien, First Financial Federal Credit Union’s Chief Financial Officer was recently appointed to the Maryland Council on Economic Education. After a nomination and a vote by the MCEE Board of Trustees, Matt is the newest member of this valuable organization that assists local teachers in promoting financial literacy and well-being to their students.

The Maryland Council on Economic Education is a grassroots organization, established in 1953, that supplies content and resources to educators for the purpose of providing personal finance education to students. Financial education is essential in demonstrating the importance of good credit and the need for adequate income in retirement, while avoiding high levels of debt. This esteemed organization’s main goal is to assure that school children in Maryland are sufficiently equipped with the financial know-how to guide them into financial responsibility in adulthood.

For over three years, Matt has worked as First Financial FCU’s respected CFO. As a father and a finance professional, this appointment is befitting for Matt. In response to his new position, Matt noted that, “The efforts of this organization are perfectly suited for my drive to improve financial literacy in Maryland. I am very passionate about the need to supply our students with the necessary tools for success in the future.” In addition, as a council member, Matt plans to use his financial experience to provide direction and advice throughout the next year.