The National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) has announced the appointment of Debbie Bianucci as chair of the NFCC Advisory Council. The appointment was made by the NFCC Board of Trustees during the NFCC’s Annual Leaders Conference in Minneapolis. Bianucci replaces Catherine Allen who was elected to the NFCC Board of Trustees, and is now serving as its Chairman.

Bianucci is president and chief executive officer of BAI, a professional organization devoted exclusively to improving the performance of financial services companies through strategic research, information, education and training, all focused on retail banking and payments. She is also a member of the board of directors of the Chicago-based organization. Bianucci has been in financial services for over 30 years, including senior positions with several major financial services companies. She is a frequent speaker at industry events and has authored numerous books and articles on financial services topics. She holds a bachelors of arts degree in journalism and a masters of business administration degree, both from Drake University.

“BAI places a high priority on supporting the efforts of the NFCC to build consumer financial literacy. I became involved with the NFCC because I believe that no other organization is better positioned to make a significant impact on consumer financial knowledge through counseling and education. I am looking forward to serving as chair of the NFCC Advisory Council which will give me even more opportunity to actively participate in the important work of the NFCC,” said Bianucci.

The role of the Advisory Council is to assist and give advice to the NFCC primarily on issues of consumer financial wellness, operations and process that pertain to the financial counseling sector. The primary aim of the Advisory Council is to facilitate initiatives that promote the NFCC’s vision of a national agenda for financially responsible behavior and enable NFCC Member Agencies to deliver the highest quality financial education and counseling services.

“The NFCC is fortunate to have industry executives such as Debbie Bianucci assume leadership roles with our organization. The unprecedented economic times in which we live have presented significant challenges to families and communities,” said Susan C. Keating, president and CEO of the NFCC. “With Debbie’s experience and commitment, we are confident that she will bring together a Council of representatives from counseling agencies, consumer advocacy, financial services and philanthropy to identify solutions that will contribute to family stability and economic recovery.”

For more information, visit www.nfcc.org.