BY Preston Fore January 22, 2025 at 3:01 AM EST Students at the University of Maryland are fighting to get to the top of Michael McMillan’s class waitlists. No, he’s not lecturing on a flashy new topic like artificial intelligence or Taylor Swift, he’s teaching personal finance—and students are more interested in the subject than ever. […]

CUSTOMIZED FINANCIAL EDUCATION.
At Shark-Wise, our mission is simple: to empower all those seeking a good night’s sleep through financial wisdom. We are driven by one question — how can we help you and your business or organization achieve financial peace of mind?
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meet our team.
Our Trusted Team
Founder/Chief Strategy Officer
- CUDE, DEEU
With over twenty-five years in the Financial Services industry, James is an accomplished executive in the Banking and Credit Union industry with extensive expertise in financial wellness and strategic planning. He successfully spearheaded large-scale initiatives to enhance member experience across both for-profit and non-profit sectors, emphasizing the financial good health of employees and clients. James possesses exceptional organizational and interpersonal skills, which drive staff motivation, improve process efficiency, and establish him as a leader in learning, development and organizational transformations.
Financial Education Facilitator
Richard boasts over 25 years of experience in financial services and banking management. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Management and a master's degree in business. Richard is renowned for his expertise in training and development. He co-created and delivered the comprehensive training program for professional banking staff at DNB First Bank, ensuring a consistent and highquality service for all clients. Beyond the financial industry, Richard is a passionate educator. As a certified coaching instructor with USA Volleyball for over 25 years, he has imparted coaching basics and teaching methods to new coaches. Additionally, he serves as a Certified Instructor with Lions International and is part of the training cadre for the Regional Lions Leadership Institute. Richard's commitment to helping others and sharing his knowledge underscores his distinguished career in financial services and his dedication to community service and mentorship.
Financial Education Facilitator
Chris Fox is a visionary financial wellness expert with an illustrious career as a Service Operations Specialist at DNB First Bank in Downingtown, PA. With over thirty years of experience, Chris has mastered the art of developing bank policies and ensuring compliance with banking rules and regulations. Chris1s expertise spans adaptive teamwork, organizational strengths, and needs-based consulting. Her comprehensive skill set includes lending, banking, small business advisory, and addressing the unique needs of non-profits. Passionate about championing the underserved, protecting seniors, and educating youth, Chris has become a trusted resource for many organizations seeking financial education for their communities. Chris's leadership in coaching, training, and enhancing operational efficiencies underscores her commitment to financial wellness and community empowerment.
Financial Wellness Advocate
Angela is passionate about helping others, with two decades in financial services and numerous volunteer leadership roles at regional nonprofits. Angela enjoys connecting people and creatively finding solutions to address needs and roadblocks that arise. With broad knowledge of programs, resources, and compliance, she was regularly sought after by colleagues for input and advice. Her banking career was primarily in an individual producer role, with appointment to separate teams for specific projects as needed. Angela delights in helping others achieve financial stability that can be sustained with acquired knowledge.
Financial Wellness Advocate
Gene C. Daniels holds a deep passion for helping others understand and achieve financial wellness. For more than 30 years, he worked as a CPA, providing financial, accounting, and business services to organizations ranging from small nonprofits to Fortune 500 companies. His experience includes seven years in the securities industry, where Gene was an award-winning financial advisor who took a planning-based approach to helping his clients achieve their financial goals. Gene’s career also included positions ranging from auditor at a public accounting firm to contract CFO and controller at nonprofit agencies to educator in both public school and private settings. He has extensive experience working in health care finance and business management. Gene has led training programs and webinars on personal financial management and tax preparation, has served as an adjunct accounting instructor, and also as a board member for various organizations. As a financial consultant/coach and educator, Gene is a compassionate listener and a pragmatic analytical person. He takes a results-oriented approach to helping clients gain clarity and finding a path to achieve their goals and to help them sleep well at night.
Advisory Council Member
Gus Haviland has more than 30 years of experience in banking, technology sales, and client engagement. Based in Red Bank, NJ, he specializes in driving growth through strategic partnerships, innovative solutions, and tailored go-to-market strategies. Gus has a proven track record of success in the banking and financial services sectors, delivering impactful results and building long-term relationships. Known for his strategic thinking and collaborative leadership, he consistently drives sustainable growth and measurable outcomes. Gus has been an advocate for Financial Literacy for decades.
Financial Education Facilitator
Kristen is a veteran financial educator with over two decades of experience in financial services. She specializes in empowering individuals and teams through effective management, team motivation, and exceptional customer service. Kristen has developed and facilitated numerous training programs, including needs assessment, compliance audits, and onboarding processes. She is passionate about sharing her financial knowledge and genuinely cares about helping others achieve their personal excellence and a sustainable financial future.
Founder/Chief Strategy Officer
- CUDE, DEEU
With over twenty-five years in the Financial Services industry, James is an accomplished executive in the Banking and Credit Union industry with extensive expertise in financial wellness and strategic planning. He successfully spearheaded large-scale initiatives to enhance member experience across both for-profit and non-profit sectors, emphasizing the financial good health of employees and clients. James possesses exceptional organizational and interpersonal skills, which drive staff motivation, improve process efficiency, and establish him as a leader in learning, development and organizational transformations.
Financial Education Facilitator
Richard boasts over 25 years of experience in financial services and banking management. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Management and a master's degree in business. Richard is renowned for his expertise in training and development. He co-created and delivered the comprehensive training program for professional banking staff at DNB First Bank, ensuring a consistent and highquality service for all clients. Beyond the financial industry, Richard is a passionate educator. As a certified coaching instructor with USA Volleyball for over 25 years, he has imparted coaching basics and teaching methods to new coaches. Additionally, he serves as a Certified Instructor with Lions International and is part of the training cadre for the Regional Lions Leadership Institute. Richard's commitment to helping others and sharing his knowledge underscores his distinguished career in financial services and his dedication to community service and mentorship.
Financial Education Facilitator
Chris Fox is a visionary financial wellness expert with an illustrious career as a Service Operations Specialist at DNB First Bank in Downingtown, PA. With over thirty years of experience, Chris has mastered the art of developing bank policies and ensuring compliance with banking rules and regulations. Chris1s expertise spans adaptive teamwork, organizational strengths, and needs-based consulting. Her comprehensive skill set includes lending, banking, small business advisory, and addressing the unique needs of non-profits. Passionate about championing the underserved, protecting seniors, and educating youth, Chris has become a trusted resource for many organizations seeking financial education for their communities. Chris's leadership in coaching, training, and enhancing operational efficiencies underscores her commitment to financial wellness and community empowerment.
Financial Wellness Advocate
Angela is passionate about helping others, with two decades in financial services and numerous volunteer leadership roles at regional nonprofits. Angela enjoys connecting people and creatively finding solutions to address needs and roadblocks that arise. With broad knowledge of programs, resources, and compliance, she was regularly sought after by colleagues for input and advice. Her banking career was primarily in an individual producer role, with appointment to separate teams for specific projects as needed. Angela delights in helping others achieve financial stability that can be sustained with acquired knowledge.
Financial Wellness Advocate
Gene C. Daniels holds a deep passion for helping others understand and achieve financial wellness. For more than 30 years, he worked as a CPA, providing financial, accounting, and business services to organizations ranging from small nonprofits to Fortune 500 companies. His experience includes seven years in the securities industry, where Gene was an award-winning financial advisor who took a planning-based approach to helping his clients achieve their financial goals. Gene’s career also included positions ranging from auditor at a public accounting firm to contract CFO and controller at nonprofit agencies to educator in both public school and private settings. He has extensive experience working in health care finance and business management. Gene has led training programs and webinars on personal financial management and tax preparation, has served as an adjunct accounting instructor, and also as a board member for various organizations. As a financial consultant/coach and educator, Gene is a compassionate listener and a pragmatic analytical person. He takes a results-oriented approach to helping clients gain clarity and finding a path to achieve their goals and to help them sleep well at night.
Advisory Council Member
Gus Haviland has more than 30 years of experience in banking, technology sales, and client engagement. Based in Red Bank, NJ, he specializes in driving growth through strategic partnerships, innovative solutions, and tailored go-to-market strategies. Gus has a proven track record of success in the banking and financial services sectors, delivering impactful results and building long-term relationships. Known for his strategic thinking and collaborative leadership, he consistently drives sustainable growth and measurable outcomes. Gus has been an advocate for Financial Literacy for decades.
Financial Education Facilitator
Kristen is a veteran financial educator with over two decades of experience in financial services. She specializes in empowering individuals and teams through effective management, team motivation, and exceptional customer service. Kristen has developed and facilitated numerous training programs, including needs assessment, compliance audits, and onboarding processes. She is passionate about sharing her financial knowledge and genuinely cares about helping others achieve their personal excellence and a sustainable financial future.
from our blog.
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I want to take just a BRIEF MOMENT and I promise not to belabor this view. I have been hearing a tremendous amount of complaints by some who believe that Generation Z is “ too lazy, too sensitive, too entitled and self centered “.
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