Tonight’s Hall of Fame Banquet kicks off Utah’s annual $tart $mart Summit, bringing together financial education leaders from across the state
SALT LAKE CITY – June 22, 2026 – Six financial education champions will be inducted into the Utah Financial Education Hall of Fame this evening during a banquet at the Utah State Capitol. The annual recognition honors educators and community leaders whose dedication, innovation, and leadership have strengthened financial capability throughout Utah.
Utah has long been recognized as a national leader in financial education. In 2003, the Utah Legislature passed the nation’s first requirement that high school students complete a stand-alone personal finance course prior to graduation, with the Class of 2008 becoming the first in the nation to graduate under that requirement.
Established by the Utah Office of State Treasurer, the Utah Jump$tart Coalition, and the Utah State Board of Education, the Utah Financial Education Hall of Fame recognizes individuals whose contributions have helped make Utah a national leader in financial education.
“Research has consistently shown that financial education improves financial knowledge and behaviors, helping individuals make informed decisions, build more secure futures, and become more self-sufficient,” Utah Treasurer Marlo Oaks said. “Utah’s success in financial education is built on the efforts of dedicated educators, administrators, and community partners. These inductees exemplify that commitment, going above and beyond to equip students with practical knowledge and skills that will benefit them throughout their lives.”
This evening’s induction ceremony serves as the kickoff to the annual $tart $mart Summit, which brings together educators, policymakers, financial institutions, nonprofit organizations, and community leaders to share ideas, highlight innovative programs, and strengthen financial education efforts across Utah.
As Utah continues to build on its success in financial education, increasing attention is being placed on helping students develop financial knowledge and decision-making skills earlier in life. The Utah State Board of Education is currently reviewing new K–8 Financial Literacy Concepts, reflecting the growing recognition that financial habits begin to develop long before high school.
“Many Utah educators are already leading the way,” said Shauna Barfuss, Executive Director of the Utah Jump$tart Coalition. “Across the state, teachers are introducing financial concepts in elementary and middle school classrooms and finding creative ways to incorporate personal finance into existing subjects. This year’s $tart $mart Summit places an increased focus on earlier grades, helping bring these innovative approaches to more classrooms and more students across the state.”
The 2026 Utah Financial Education Hall of Fame inductees are:
Educator of the Year
Heather Woffinden, Vista Heights Middle School
Lifetime Achievement
Erica Decker, Fox Hollow Elementary
Student Empowerment
Scott Colby, Beehive Science and Technology Academy
Innovative Personal Finance Curriculum
Kory Boyd, Lehi High School
Financial Education Champion
Alex Exon, Viewmont High School
Community Advocate
Kim Hannay, Optum Bank
For more information about the Utah Financial Education Hall of Fame, visit treasurer.utah.gov/halloffame.
Media Contacts:
Brittany Griffin, Utah Office of State Treasurer
(801) 918-1411 | [email protected]
Shauna Barfuss, Utah Jump$tart Coalition
(435) 757-3450 | [email protected]
###