Mississippi Council on Economic Education President Selena Swartzfager Receives National Technology Award

Selena Swartzfager

Mississippi Council on Economic Education President Selena Swartzfager Receives National Technology Award


Jackson, MS — March 24, 2025 — Selena Swartzfager, President of the Mississippi Council on Economic Education (MCEE), has been honored with the prestigious Abbejean Kehler Technology Award from the National Association of Economic Educators (NAEE). The award was presented at NAEE’s annual conference, held recently at the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.


The Abbejean Kehler Technology Award recognizes individuals who demonstrate innovative use of technology in delivering economic and financial literacy education. Recipients must have shown leadership in developing tech-based programs or resources that improve educator effectiveness and student learning.


Under Swartzfager’s leadership, MCEE has made significant strides in integrating technology into educator training and student learning across the state. The organization launched a suite of Canvas-based Master Teacher programs in Economics, Personal Finance, Entrepreneurship, and College & Career Readiness—providing comprehensive, accessible professional development for Mississippi teachers. In addition, MCEE developed no cost, student-facing courses in each of these subject areas to expand economic education for Mississippi youth. They are accessible at no cost to all Mississippi teachers for use in their classrooms. They can be used in full or in parts that will fit inside other subject areas.


“This award is such an honor,” said Swartzfager. “But it wouldn’t have been possible without the amazing team of educators who helped bring these programs to life. Their creativity, passion, and commitment to making economic and financial education available for all teachers and students is what truly moved MCEE forward. I share this recognition with them.”

This team consists of the following: James Wilcox (University of Southern MS), Becky Smith (MS State University), Brandon Bolen (Mississippi College), Jeannette Bennett (Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis), Claire Loup (Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta), Tawni Hunt Ferrarini (Lindenwood University), Gabby Eyzaguirre (technology consultant) and Master teachers Julie Ingram and Theresa Conner.


The National Association of Economic Educators is a professional association dedicated to advancing economic and financial literacy by empowering educators and promoting best practices across the country.


For more information, please visit www.mscee.org or contact MCEE at 601-974-1325 or mscee@millsaps.edu.


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Mississippi Council on Economic Education
1701 North State Street, Jackson, MS 39210

www.mscee.org

601-974-1325

mscee@millsaps.edu


Studio headshot of a man in glasses and a light blue blazer on a gray background
By Selena Swartzfager August 13, 2026
Jackson, MS — August 13, 2026 — The Mississippi Council on Economic Education (MCEE) is pleased to announce Daniel Elliott, Market President for Huntington Bank in Jackson, Mississippi, as Chairman of its Board of Directors .  Elliott brings more than 28 years of banking, business leadership, and community service experience to the role. As Market President for Huntington Bank, he provides leadership and strategic oversight for branch and lending teams serving Rankin, Hinds, Scott, Simpson, and Warren counties . “Daniel understands firsthand the critical role that financial and economic education plays in building stronger families, communities, and a more competitive Mississippi,” said Selena Swartzfager, President of the Mississippi Council on Economic Education . “His leadership, banking expertise, and deep commitment to our state make him an exceptional choice to lead our Board. As demand for economic and financial education continues to grow across Mississippi, Daniel’s vision will help MSCEE expand our reach and prepare even more teachers and students with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions and build successful futures.” Daniel has held a variety of leadership and commercial banking positions throughout his career. He earned an MBA from Mississippi College and a BBA from Belhaven University . He is also a graduate of the Graduate School of Banking at Louisiana State University and the American Bankers Association National Commercial Lending School . A dedicated community leader, Elliott has been an active member of the Mississippi Council on Economic Education Board of Directors and previously served as President-Elect. He also serves on the boards of Operation Shoestring, Merit Health Rankin, and Friends of Mississippi State Hospital . His previous community leadership includes service with the Rankin County Chamber of Commerce, Shannon’s Home of Hope, and The Little Light House of Central Mississippi . Elliott is a member of the Leadership Mississippi Class of 2022 , a graduate of Leadership Rankin , and a past recipient of the Mississippi Business Journal Top 40 Under 40 recognition. “I am honored to serve as Chairman of the Mississippi Council on Economic Education,” Elliott said. “Financial and economic education gives young people the tools to make better decisions throughout their lives. MSCEE has a tremendous record of equipping Mississippi educators with the resources and training they need to bring these essential concepts into the classroom. I look forward to working with the Board, staff, educators, and partners across the state to build on that success and expand the organization’s impact.” Elliott assumes the chairmanship at an important time for economic and financial education in Mississippi. As schools prepare for expanded financial literacy requirements in 2027 as directed by the Mississippi Legislature, MSCEE continues to provide educators with high-quality professional development, classroom resources, and student programming designed to build financial capability, economic understanding, entrepreneurship, and career readiness. For close to 25 years, the Mississippi Council on Economic Education has worked to ensure Mississippi teachers and students have access to meaningful, real-world economic and financial education. Through partnerships with educators, businesses, universities, foundations, and community organizations, MSCEE reaches teachers and students across the state with programs designed to prepare young Mississippians for success in school, work, and life. Daniel and his wife, Katie , live in Rankin County and are the proud parents of two children. About the Mississippi Council on Economic Education The Mississippi Council on Economic Education (MSCEE) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing economic and financial literacy throughout Mississippi. MSCEE provides professional development, curriculum resources, and innovative educational programs that equip K–12 educators to teach economics, personal finance, entrepreneurship, and college and career readiness. By investing in teachers, MSCEE helps prepare Mississippi students to make informed financial decisions, understand the economy, and successfully navigate their futures. ### Mississippi Council on Economic Education 1701 North State Street, Jackson, MS 39210 www.mscee.org 601-974-1325 info@mscee.org
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