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Young Americans Center for Financial Education Will Seek New Leadership as
President & CEO Rich Martinez Moves on After 23 Years of Service to the Organization
Rich Martinez announced that he will move on from his role as president and CEO of Young Americans Center for Financial Education and Young Americans Bank on March 31, 2023.
Martinez joined Young Americans in 1999 and was named president and CEO in 2007. Over the past 15 years, he has implemented the strategic direction of both boards of directors, while also being responsible for the organization’s programs and operations.
“It has been the honor of a lifetime to guide Young Americans Center for Financial Education and Young Americans Bank,” Martinez said. “Young Americans has never been stronger, and, after considerable deliberation, I have decided that now is the right time for me to move on to my next chapter. I am proud of the legacy I have helped create, and I thank all of my colleagues for the collective success we have enjoyed.”
Young Americans Center for Financial Education and Young Americans Bank were borne out of cable television pioneer Bill Daniels’ vision for allowing youth to understand and participate in our country’s financial system. In 1987, he created the foundation of Young Americans Center for Financial Education when he opened the first Young Americans Bank, the world’s only bank designed specifically for young people aged 21 and under. The Center has since grown to include a number of programs such as Young AmeriTowne, Rural AmeriTowne, International Towne, YouthBiz, and summer camps that have made a powerful impact on our children’s understanding of financial matters and their appreciation for our free enterprise system.
“I’m extremely grateful to Rich for his decades of service and incredibly hard work on behalf of our community and our kids,” said Michael Gersack, board chair of Young Americans Center for Financial Education. “Rich’s leadership over the past 15 years reflects his strong dedication to increasing financial literacy, as well as appreciation for free enterprise, entrepreneurship, and philanthropy. His impact will be felt for generations to come.”
Norm Franke, board chair of Young Americans Bank, added, “Rich’s contributions to our organization have been transformational. I would also like to thank our community partners and our donors, including The Daniels Fund. The impact we have made over the years – and continue to make – would not be possible without their support.”
“Young Americans Bank was an incredible source of pride for Bill Daniels and continues to be core to his legacy. We’re grateful for all that Rich has dedicated to carrying on Bill’s legacy through his work at Young Americans Bank. We move into this next chapter with excitement for the future,” said Hanna Skandera, president and CEO of the Daniels Fund.
An interim president and CEO will be named shortly. Young Americans Center will conduct a national search for a new president and CEO.
