Denver — Katherine M. Sauer, Ph.D., has joined the National Endowment for Financial Education® (NEFE®) as senior director of education, research and strategic impact. She moves into the role vacated by Billy J. Hensley, Ph.D., who in July was named president and CEO of NEFE after serving as senior director of education for the past eight years.
“The depth of Dr. Sauer’s thoughtfulness, experience and strategic thinking will be of tremendous benefit to NEFE as we advance our mission of helping and encouraging all Americans toward improved financial literacy,” says Hensley. “Dr. Sauer undoubtedly will foster growth in all of our research and education initiatives. We’re very fortunate to have her on our team.”
Sauer assumes the lead on philanthropic, research, evaluation and technology engagement of the collegiate and adult consumer education initiatives of the foundation.
“I’ve long admired the quality of programs and the excellence of thought leadership that NEFE provides,” says Sauer. “It’s an honor to join such talented professionals who are dedicated to an important mission.”
Prior to joining NEFE, Sauer was involved with financial and economic education research and programming for K-12, undergraduate, graduate student, employee and retiree audiences. She has worked in investment consulting, university administration, and has held faculty positions at the University of Southern Indiana and Metropolitan State University of Denver.
Sauer looks forward to continuing NEFE’s legacy of robust behavioral research and supporting learners and educators in their journey to achieve financial well-being.
“It’s a pivotal time for the field of financial education and the work we’re doing has never been more important. I look forward to building on the momentum NEFE has created,” says Sauer.
Sauer earned her doctorate in economics from the University of Colorado at Boulder.
Read more on NEFE’s leadership.