Billy J. Hensley, Ph.D.

Billy J. Hensley, Ph.D., is a nationally respected nonprofit executive, researcher and thought leader who has redefined how financial education is understood and delivered in the United States. As president and CEO of the National Endowment for Financial Education (NEFE) since 2018, he has transformed the organization into the nation’s leader in financial education systems—one that advances equity, evidence and collaboration to improve access, quality and impact.

Under Hensley’s leadership, NEFE has evolved from a programmatic foundation to a national catalyst for systemic change. He led the development of NEFE’s refined mission, vision and core values and introduced the Personal Finance Ecosystem, a framework now widely recognized for mapping how research, policy and practice interact to influence financial outcomes. Through his guidance, NEFE has strengthened its role as a transparent and trusted convener, elevating the field’s focus on evidence-based, inclusive and scalable strategies that create meaningful impact.

In recognition of NEFE’s commitment to best practices, ethical conduct, inclusivity and rigorous certification, the organization received the “Setting the Standard” Award from the Association for Financial Counseling and Planning Education in 2021. In 2022, Bankrate.com recognized NEFE as the best financial nonprofit, adding to its social honors and awards. In 2025, NEFE was named the recipient of the 2025 Eagle Award from the Society for Financial Education and Professional Development for demonstrating pioneering leadership in financial education. Also in 2025, Hensley received the prestigious William E. Odom Visionary Leadership Award from the Jump$tart Coalition for Personal Financial Literacy, celebrating exceptional individuals whose leadership and contributions significantly advance financial education.

Key achievements under Hensley’s direction include expanding national consumer polling and research outputs, launching a policy and advocacy team focused on increasing access for all K-12 students, hosting national policy convenings, significantly growing social media engagement, broadening the reach of the Financial Education Evaluation Toolkit, being featured in an international documentary on women and money, and expanding philanthropic reach and increased funding to recognize research excellence, as well as support for organizations providing direct financial well-being services. In 2022, on its 30th anniversary, NEFE hosted its inaugural Financial Education Innovation & Impact (FEI&I) Summit and announced a $2 million commitment to strategic partnerships aimed at informing best practices in the delivery of financial education.

Before becoming CEO, Hensley directed NEFE’s grants, research, and consumer and collegiate educational initiatives, with programs engaging over one million learners annually. His efforts also transformed NEFE’s grant-making strategies. NEFE’s research has significantly influenced the national discourse on financial education, with one study ranking among the top 5% of the Social Science Research Index. As of 2025, NEFE has provided nearly $7 million in research grant funding—doubling the investment in just the last five years—and has increased its peer-reviewed research citations by 345%, totaling over 1,600 to date, since his hiring as NEFE’s first full-time researcher in 2010.

Hensley is frequently cited in the media, including CNBC, the New York Times, the Atlantic, MarketWatch, National Public Radio, the Associated Press and Forbes, among others. He holds positions on multiple national and regional boards, including Jump$tart, where he is actively involved in the Jump$tart Financial Inclusion Advisory Panel advocating for K-12 access and inclusion. In 2019, Hensley joined the CNBC Global Financial Wellness Advisory Board, a select group of financial experts and thought leaders. He also contributes to the editorial board of the Journal of Financial Counseling and Planning. In 2021, Hensley was appointed to the board of trustees of his alma mater Union Commonwealth University (UCU) (Ky.). In 2025, Hensley was named to UCU’s inaugural 50 Under 50 Alumni Program, “recognizing outstanding alumni who exemplify the mission and values of UCU, making a significant impact in their careers, communities and beyond.”

Hensley’s academic background includes a Ph.D. from the University of Cincinnati, where he earned the title of Outstanding Doctoral Student of the Year in educational studies. He also holds master’s and bachelor’s degrees from UCU. His research has been presented at various state, national and international conferences and published in numerous journals.