Community Champion: Michelle Dobbins
In both her professional and personal pursuits, Michelle Dobbins shows her dedication to supporting people toward greater financial health. Viewed through a lens of financial education as a cornerstone of personal empowerment, Dobbins shares financial wellness resources with Georgia communities – highlighting her reputation as a true community champion.
Well-aligned with the vision of the National Financial Educators Council and its Georgia affiliate, Michelle applies the knowledge she’s gained through both education and real-world experience to empower upcoming generations of young leaders with financial literacy. Her leadership bridges gaps by equipping people with the knowledge and tools they need to build financial confidence and independence.
Personal Statement
I learned the value of financial responsibility at a young age, which gave me a strong foundation for managing money wisely. However, it was during my college years when I truly saw the consequences of financial illiteracy, observing many of my peers being overwhelmed with budgeting, credit, and student loans simply because they had never been taught the basics. That experience left a lasting impression on me and ignited a passion for financial education that continues to grow.
I graduated with a degree in Public Relations and Communications from Western Michigan University. I later pursued my Master’s at Kent State University while working at my first credit union in Michigan. The credit union industry has amplified my commitment to giving back. It has provided me with a broader platform to share ideas, inspire change, and make a meaningful impact. Helping to build and support our Community Foundation is a reflection of my deeply held belief in the power of community – people helping people, lifting one another up, and coming together to create something greater than ourselves.
I’m driven by a desire to help my community thrive and to be part of lasting, positive change. This initiative gives me the opportunity to connect with individuals during pivotal moments in their lives. My goal is to deliver meaningful value and create a lasting impact on the future leaders of our community.
A little about me: I live in Cherokee County with my husband and two children – Paxton, 8 and Kennedy, 6 – with two English Crème Golden Retriever puppies, Lokie and Delta.
Community Champion: Michelle Dobbins
Michelle Dobbins displays her devotion to the financial wellness movement not only through her rich experience in the financial services sector, but also through her personal dedication to philanthropy and giving back to her community. Her vigorous, untiring efforts to improve others’ lives through financial wellness are inspiring to us all.
By forging connections with people from every stratum of society, Michelle encourages us to work together toward our shared objective – making communities better through greater financial health. Her leadership has not gone unnoticed, and the Georgia Financial Educators Council would like to express its sincere gratitude for her involvement.
