Congrats To My Mom – Arizona woman named to President’s Council on Financial Literacy

Arizona woman named to President’s Council on Financial Literacy
Sharon Lechter joins in first ever council to educate the nation during unpredictable economy

PHOENIX (January 22, 2008) – Paradise Valley, Arizona, resident Sharon L. Lechter was appointed to the President’s Council on Financial Literacy in a ceremony held in the Roosevelt room at the White House in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2008.

Lechter and the council, comprised of 19 members from the business, faith and non-profit communities will help shape the course for a financially literate nation. The council is charged to gather information about financial literacy and its condition in the U.S., recommend improvements to national policies to the President and the Treasury secretary and “assist the American people in understanding and addressing financial matters.”

“I am thrilled to be a part of such a prestigious council,” said Lechter after her appointment Tuesday afternoon. “Together, this council can make an impact on the financial education of our country during these troubling economic times.”

President Bush established the advisory council Tuesday morning. A ceremony inducting the 19 members of the council was held later in the day from the Roosevelt room at the White House where the President made remarks.

“We want people to own assets; we want people to be able to manage their assets,” said President Bush in his remarks. “We want people to understand basic financial concepts, and how credit cards work and how credit scores affect you, how you can benefit from a savings account or a bank account. That’s what we want. And this group of citizens has taken the lead, and I really thank them.”

Members of the council include;

Charles R. Schwab, of California, and upon appointment, Designate Chair;
John Bryant, of California, and upon appointment, Designate Vice Chair;
Theodore Beck, of Colorado;
Theodore R. Daniels, of Maryland;
Cutler Dawson, of Virginia;
Robert F. Duvall, of New York;
Tahira Hira, of Iowa;
Jack E. Kosakowski, of Colorado;
Sharon L. Lechter, of Arizona;
Robert V. Lee III, of Florida;
Laura Levine, of the District of Columbia;
David Mancl, of Wisconsin;
Don J. McGrath, of California;
Janet Parker, of Alabama;
Ignacio Salazar, of Michigan;
Mary L. Schapiro, of the District of Columbia.

Press releases directly from the White House:
Executive Order: Establishing the President’s Council on Financial Literacy
President Bush Announces President’s Council on Financial Literacy
Personnel Announcement: President’s Council on Financial Literacy at bottom

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About Sharon Lechter
A life-long education advocate, Sharon Lechter is co-author of the international best-selling book Rich Dad Poor Dad and the Rich Dad series of books. She is a CPA, entrepreneur, philanthropist, educator, international speaker and mother. Over 27 million copies of Rich Dad books have been sold in 50 languages in 108 countries and Rich Dad Poor Dad has been on The New York Times Best Sellers List for 328 weeks. She has been a pioneer in developing new technologies to bring education into children’s lives in ways that are innovative, challenging and fun, and remains committed to education – particularly, financial literacy. A committed philanthropist, Sharon also gives back to the world’s communities as both a volunteer and benefactor. She is an active member of Women’s Presidents Organization and serves on the national board of Childhelp. In 2002, Childhelp honored Lechter and her husband, Michael, as recipients of the Spirit of the Children Award. In 2004, Sharon and Michael were recognized as an Arizona “Power Couple.” Sharon was honored as a 2005 Woman of Distinction by the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America. She serves on the Dean’s Council 100 of the W.P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University and is also a member of the advisory Board of the Spirit of Enterprise at the W.P. Carey School of Business.