Jump$tart Coalition Honor Recognizes Leaders Who Advance Financial Education
DENVER—The National Endowment for Financial Education® (NEFE®) proudly announces that Billy Hensley, Ph.D., president and CEO, has been recognized as the 2025 recipient of the prestigious William E. Odom Visionary Leadership Award from the Jump$tart Coalition for Personal Financial Literacy. The award was presented to Hensley at the Jump$tart annual awards luncheon on April 10, 2025, in Washington, D.C.
The William E. Odom Visionary Leadership Award celebrates exceptional individuals whose leadership and contributions have significantly advanced financial education. The award also honors Bill Odom, the former chairman of Ford Motor Credit Company, whose pioneering vision played a pivotal role in the creation of Jump$tart.
“I am deeply humbled, yet extremely honored, to receive the 2025 William E. Odom Visionary Leadership Award from Jump$tart. The Odom Award recognizes passionate advocates who profoundly impact financial literacy and education, so this reflects the hard work and dedication of everyone on staff and within leadership at NEFE. Every ounce of passion that they exude is a testament to a desire for effective and inclusive financial education for all.
-- Billy Hensley, Ph.D., president and CEO of NEFE
In its recognition of Hensley, Jump$tart says, “Dr. Hensley has been a leading advocate for financial literacy, focusing on providing equitable access to financial education and shaping policies that promote financial well-being for individuals and communities. Under his leadership, NEFE has seen tremendous growth, driving the organization’s mission forward by ensuring financial education is accessible, research-driven and impactful. His forward-thinking initiatives have equipped countless individuals with the knowledge and skills to make informed financial decisions.”
“Since joining NEFE and, especially, since taking over as president and CEO, Billy Hensley has shown incredible generosity and vision in focusing well beyond his own organization. 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.
-- Laura Levine, president and CEO of Jump$tart
"I have great admiration and appreciation for Jump$tart and its coalition partners who strive to improve access to financial education for our nation's youth. We’re experiencing tremendous momentum with states requiring financial education in high schools—now at 27—and the power of our partnership is needed more than ever,” Hensley adds.
More on the William E. Odom Visionary Leadership Award.
About Jump$tart
The Jump$tart Coalition for Personal Financial Literacy is a 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. For more information, visit www.jumpstart.org.
