WASHINGTON, DC – February 13, 2025. The Jump$tart Coalition for Personal Financial Literacy has announced Billy Hensley, Ph.D., President and CEO of the National Endowment for Financial Education (NEFE), as the 2025 recipient of the coalition’s most prestigious individual honor, the William E. Odom Visionary Leadership Award. The award will be presented April 10, 2025, at the Jump$tart Annual Awards Luncheon in Washington, DC.

The “Odom Award” recognizes the significance of the honoree’s contribution to financial education and how their leadership and vision has altered the landscape of the financial literacy effort. The Award also honors Bill Odom, former Chairman of the Ford Motor Credit Company, a consumer education pioneer whose vision led to the creation of Jump$tart.

Dr. Hensley has been a driving force in advancing financial literacy, advocating for equitable access to financial education, and shaping policies that foster economic well-being for individuals and communities. His leadership has propelled NEFE’s mission to new heights, ensuring that financial education is research-based, accessible, and impactful. Through his visionary approach, he has championed initiatives that empower individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to make informed financial decisions.

“I am deeply humbled, yet extremely honored, to receive the 2025 William E. Odom Visionary Leadership Award from the JumpStart Coalition for Personal Financial Literacy,” said Dr. Hensley “I’m grateful every day to be involved in meaningful work alongside talented people and this award is a cherished recognition of the value of NEFE’s mission and vision, centered on our desire to champion effective and inclusive financial education for all.”

“Since joining NEFE and, especially, since taking over as CEO, Billy Hensley has shown incredible generosity and vision in focusing well beyond his own organization,” said Laura Levine, Jump$tart President and CEO. “He’s thoughtful, insightful, and a ton of fun to work with. I’m delighted to have this opportunity to recognize his contributions to financial literacy.”

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The Jump$tart Coalition for Personal Financial Literacy is a Washington, DC-based nonprofit organization comprising more than 100 national partner organizations and a network of independent state affiliates. The coalition was founded in 1995 to advance financial literacy and financial equity, especially among our nation’s youth, through communication, collaboration, and support for effectiveness in financial education. Jump$tart is the original promoter of April as Financial Literacy Month; co-publishes the National Standards for Personal Financial Education; operates the Jump$tart Clearinghouse, a curated database of financial education resources; and supports financial education through programs such as the Jump$tart National Educator Conference, Jump$tart Financial Foundations for Educators, the Jump$tart Teen Teach-In, and Reality Check, an online learning tool.