LANSING, Mich. — The Michigan Credit Union League has named Kelli Ellsworth Etchison, LAFCU vice president of community and business development, with the 2014 Credit Union Youth Advocate of the Year award. The achievement recognizes a credit union employee for outstanding individual contributions that serve youths, including promoting or teaching youth financial education, promoting cooperative youth financial resources and participating in community outreach efforts for youth development.
“Kelli Ellsworth Etchison is a tireless advocate for youth financial education in the mid-Michigan area,” said Patrick Spyke, executive vice president of LAFCU. “She has led the development of several innovative youth outreach efforts, as well as youth products and services that dramatically expanded during 2014.”
Ellsworth Etchison’s efforts extended the reach and branding of LAFCU’s existing financial literacy programs including LAFCU My Way, designed for teens and young adults, and Planet M Club, for kids up to age 12. Each program includes website content that delivers information in ways effective for its specific age group.
“I am very excited about being named Credit Union Youth Advocate of the Year,” declared Ellsworth Etchison. “Although the recognition is appreciated, it’s really about the kids and teaching them the importance of saving and managing their money. These are skills that will benefit them throughout their lives. I find that very rewarding.”