About Us

About First Command Educational Foundation

First Command Educational Foundation (FCEF) was founded in 1983 as a private foundation supporting First Command Financial Services (FCFS) to provide financial education and scholarships to military members and their families. Over time, FCEF has grown and evolved to adapt to evolving financial challenges facing military servicemembers.

Since 2006, First Command Educational Foundation has been recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) public charity in the state of Texas and has operated independently of FCFS and its subsidiaries. First Command Educational Foundation is governed by our own board of directors, chief executive officer and president. Our commitment to “educate those who serve” through financial education training, literature, tools, and scholarships remains unwavering. Our educational programs provide individuals and families tools and knowledge to be fiscally responsible and financially stable.

FCEF is committed to equipping individuals, at all stages of life, to make positive financial decisions that promote their long-term financial stability and financial well-being. Our proven online, virtual, and in-person presentations and seminars help combat financial insecurity amongst servicemembers, veterans, federal civilian employees, and their families. At the same time, our services extend to organizations that share the values and aspirations of our core constituents including community organizations, high school students, and economically at-risk populations. Our curriculum can be tailored to meet the needs and goals of our partner organization.

Our scholarship programs broaden education opportunities for hard-working students seeking college or trade school degrees. We are proud to have awarded an annual average of $130,000 since 1983. We partner with community organizations such as military units, scouting organizations, Rotary Clubs, and public universities to provide critical financial scholarships to students pursuing college and/or trade school degree programs.

We do this through the dedicated support of our volunteer presenters and generous contributions from our corporate and individual donors.

First Command Educational Foundation is a wholly independent 501(c)(3) public charity and is not affiliated with First Command Financial Services, Inc. or any of its affiliated entities.

Documentation

View our annual report document below.

Approval Letters

FCEF is proud to be a certified 501c3 non-profit organization.

Contact Us

We would love to connect with you.

Our Staff

Charles W. "Skip" Bowen

Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard (MCPOCG), USCG (Ret.)
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer

cwbowen@fcef.com
817-569-2260

Thomas E. "Tom" Kuhar

Commander, USCG (Ret.), President
TKuhar@fcef.com
817-569-2500

Albert “Al” Godoy

MBA, CPFC
Director of Educational Programs
agodoy@fcef.com
817-569-2809

Lisa Kennedy

Director of Development
lykennedy@fcef.com
817-569-3401

Julie Malwitz

Director of Scholarships & Program Support
jcmalwitz@fcef.com
817-569-2634

Julie "Juls" McRee

Director of Instructional Design & Online Learning
jamcree@fcef.com
817-569-3156

Michelle Nelson

Instructional Support Specialist
mnelson1@fcef.com

Sydney Spidell

Scholarships & Program Support Specialist
smspidell@fcef.com
817-569-3624

Board of Directors

Charles W. "Skip" Bowen

Master Chief Petty Officer of The Coast Guard (MCPOCG), USCG (Ret.), Chairman Of The Board And Chief Executive Officer
Sebastian, Florida

Fred Offutt

Lieutenant Colonel, USAF (Ret.), CFP®, ChFC®, CLF®, Vice-Chairman; Retired
Fair Oaks Ranch, Texas

Sunday E. Grace

CPA, MBA, Treasurer Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, First Command Financial Services
Arlington, Texas

Tom Atkin

Rear Admiral USCG (Ret.), Founder and Managing Principal, The Atkin Group
Arlington, Virginia

Timi Joy Jorgensen, PhD

Assistant Professor and Director of Financial Education & Well-Being at The American College of Financial Services
Athens, Georgia

Chris Kirkpatrick

Senior Business Rental Sales Executive, Enterprise Holdings
Fort Worth, Texas

Justin Kistler

Executive Vice President, Operations, First Command Bank
Fort Worth, Texas

Thomas E. "Tom" Kuhar

President, FCEF
Valrico, Florida

Jay Land

Strategy & Management Consultant
Ooltewah, Tennessee

Kellie Richter

Executive Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer/Chief Experience Officer, First Command Financial Services
Fort Worth, Texas

Dennis White

Captain USN (Ret.), Senior Vice President, Chief of Staff, First Command Financial Services
Fort Worth, Texas

Our Corporate Donors