For her job as a rewards expert with school districts, the president of the Portage School Board has received the Wisconsin Governor’s Financial Literacy Award.
The Wisconsin Education Association Member Benefits employee Kelly Behnke, who was awarded the 2023 honor in the specific group on March 5, described the recognition as an incredible honor.
“It was amazing to see how many of the university towns I work in chosen me,” Behnke said. It only proves how much my work is appreciated and valued. It was just really special that they took the time to select me during their busy schedules.
The award recognizes a person who provides economic education training, ability, or participation among Wisconsin residents in an impressive manner.
Behnke was recognized by the school districts in Mukwonago, Nekoosa, Necedah, New Berlin, Tomah, and Iola-Scandinavia for her efforts to support and educate Wisconsin people school people on the importance of establishing and maintaining retirement planning, as well as writing amendments that they may want to make to their individual legislation, according to her.
WeA Member Benefits, the organization’s president and CEO, said in a statement that it is “extremely glad of Kelly’s passion and commitment to helping our people become financially secure” and that it is “very pleased to have her job recognized with this honor.”
Through private insurance, retirement, and investment plans, WEA Member Benefits, which was founded in 1972, assists Wisconsin public school employees in achieving their financial goals. The company operates as a confidence and pledges to reinvest income in initiatives that benefit its members.
The 132-year-old university will have to close at the end of the year without more funding, forcing dozens of students and faculty members to relocate.
Wisconsin public school districts have access to thousands of financial literacy seminars and webinars as a provider of 403(b) retirement savings and investment options.
Behnke said one of her favorite aspects of her work has always been how enjoyable it has been for her, despite having about 24 years of experience with People Benefits.
“This work has been awesome”, said Behnke. We work in a setting where we can actually feel the impact of the assistance and support we provide. It’s a truly enjoyable work because it makes me feel good whenever I can assist someone.
Without the support of her family, Behnke claimed she wouldn’t be able to do what she does.
“I am on the street quite a bit”, she said. The support of my father has been wonderful because I wake up early in the mornings and stay home late at night frequently. When I gave him the prize, he was present with my 18-year-old son, which made it for a great experience.
A familiar experience was brought in to replace a former manager who won two condition championships, including one last fall, by the Blue Devils.