Lakewood, OH – Joined by fellow community bankers from across the country, as well as U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and top department officials, First Mutual Holding Co. (FMHC) President & CEO Tom Fraser participated in a U.S. Department of the Treasury Financial Literacy Month Roundtable with Community Bank Leaders today in Washington.

As one of 14 bank leaders invited to participate in the Roundtable, Fraser shared his perspective on the importance of financial literacy as the nation marks Financial Literacy Month. He also detailed the efforts of FMHC member banks to provide financial education in their communities and the critical role that bank employees play in reaching consumers of all ages. During the Roundtable, he offered input as the Treasury Department considers updates to the National Strategy on Financial Literacy.

“I want to thank Secretary Bessent and the Treasury Department for the opportunity to take part in this important discussion during Financial Literacy Month,” said Fraser. “At the community banking level, financial literacy works best when it is tied to real decisions at real moments in people’s lives. When education is paired with access and delivered locally, it helps individuals build confidence, participate in the financial system and achieve long term stability.”

FMHC member banks are deeply committed to advancing financial literacy, capability and economic inclusion across the communities they serve. Their efforts are designed to reach individuals across age, income and life stage, with a clear focus on practical, real world financial decisions.

Financial education is delivered through schools, nonprofit partnerships, libraries, workforce programs and digital platforms, often in collaboration with nationally recognized initiatives including the American Bankers Association (ABA) Foundation’s Teach Children to Save, FDIC Money Smart, EverFi, Junior Achievement and Bank On. FMHC member banks emphasize practical financial skills including budgeting, credit, fraud prevention, access to safe and affordable banking, workforce readiness and pathways to homeownership.

“FMHC and their member banks’ commitment to financial literacy sets a powerful example of the impact banks can have when they prioritize the well-being and financial health of their customers and communities,” said Roundtable participant Lindsay Torrico, executive director of the ABA Foundation. “We appreciated hearing Tom detail the banks’ efforts to improve financial literacy in the community, and it was helpful to hear what’s working and where we still have work to do.”

The Roundtable gave Fraser the opportunity to learn more about innovative financial literacy efforts at other banks, as well as national programs offered by the ABA Foundation and other groups.

“I’m excited to take what I learned at the Roundtable and see what we can add to our financial literacy efforts across our member banks,” said Fraser. “It’s important to our economy that we meet this challenge and equip individuals and families across our local communities with the financial tools and knowledge they need to succeed.”

Note: Media interested in interviewing Tom Fraser about her participation in the U.S. Treasury Department Roundtable on Financial Literacy should contact Valerie Kovacs at 216-529-2698.