On October 10 Deb Toms-Helm began as the new Financial Education Program Associate in the Arlington VCE office. Deb takes over the position that was formerly held by Wendy Peichel before she moved to Minnesota. Deb is not new to VCE; she has been serving as a Master Financial Education Volunteer and in that role has provided financial counseling to individuals, helped with our Reality Store and Kids Marketplace financial simulations for youth, and has taught money management classes.

Deb has an MBA and a professional background in consumer products marketing. In her position as Financial Education Program Associate she will be coordinating the financial counseling piece of our program, helping to arrange continuing education opportunities for volunteers, helping to coordinate money management classes in the community, and assisting with spreading the word about our financial education programs. Deb can be reached at dthelm@vt.edu; 703-228-6421.

The Financial Education Program Associate position is a half time, 20 hour/week position that is grant funded. We currently have funding for the position through 2014 and are waiting for news on two grants that would extend it to 2016.

The next time you are in the VCE—Arlington office, please stop by to welcome Deb!