Membership Information | Meeting Schedule

Michigan Jump$tart Executive Board

	Lois Gibbons, Chair Director of Personal Finance Education for MCEE, and Consultant, Harmony Financial Network 9543 Beach Park Drive South Lyon, MI 48170 Phone:  (248) 437-9702 Email: loisg2@charter.net
To say that Lois Gibbons is passionate about financial literacy would be an understatement. She is the president of Harmony Financial Network, an organization that provides financial management, tools, resources and education to build long term self sufficiency for the community. Lois recently served as the Manager of Financial Education for Extra Credit Union. From 2003 to 2006, she was the director of Accounting Aid Society’s Financial Literacy Program. In that role she developed and implemented presentations for more than 4,000 people and both recruited and trained 30 volunteers to help support the program. Lois also has a strong background in teaching. She was Assistant Professor of Communications at St. Mary’s College from 1997 to 2000, and has taught various courses at Cleary College and Washtenaw Community College throughout her career. Lois was appointed Chair of the Michigan Jump$tart Coalition in 2007. Lois earned a Bachelor of Science in Communication and Theater Arts and a Master of Arts in Education Leadership, both from Eastern Michigan University.
	James Studinger, Vice Chair Author – Wealth Is a Choice JPStudinger Group 100 W. Long Lake, Suite 120 Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304 248-643-6550 Email: james@jpstudinger.com
James recognized a swelling financial void as the shift away from pensions and social security put more dependence on individual wealth. Most are ill-equipped for that new responsibility. And yet, many resist reliance on a financial services industry wrought with sales and obscurity. James determined the answer would rest within the warm foundation of financial education.   He helped the passage of a new Michigan 529 plan, and became actively involved with increasing financial acumen opportunities inside our schools.   He is author of Wealth Is a Choice, and owner of the JPStudinger Group, a wealth-management company.
	Ron Bettie, Secretary Community Relations Specialist, State Farm Insurance Companies 14021 Middlebelt Livonia, MI 48154 734-524-7887 / 734-524-7888 Email: Ronald.bettie.jwvn@statefarm.com
Ron is a graduate of the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.  He began his career with State Farm in 2001.  His current responsibilities are managing community relations and all State Farm philanthropic giving in Southeast Michigan.  Ron serves on several non-profit boards including: The Michigan Jumpstart Coalition, Metro SafeKids, Rebuilding Together Detroit and At the Lighthouse Foundation.
	Beth Troost, Treasurer Financial Education Coordinator Michigan Credit Union Leauge (734) 656-3453 or (800) 262-6285, ext. 453 Email: beth.troost@mcul.org
As the Financial Education Coordinator for the Michigan Credit Union League, Beth provides support, training, and resources for financial education for credit union staff and members.  A  board member of the Michigan Jump$tart Coalition, Beth also serves as the League’s representative for Money Smart Week, the National Endowment for Financial Education (NEFE), and MSU Extension.  Beth is a Certified Credit Union Financial Counselor and has a long history working with adult and youth financial education and student-run credit unions.