Across the country, state treasurers champion efforts to help people save for their futures—and to help them build better lives.

This shared commitment is driving a new national initiative to improve diversity in the leadership of those treasury-run saving programs. And Oregon will be an important voice in that conversation.

Sabra Purifoy, Operations Director for the Oregon Treasury Savings Network, will play a vital role in this effort as Co-Chair of the inaugural Diversity and Leadership Committee for the College Savings Plans Network (CSPN). An affiliate of the National Association of State Treasurers, CSPN provides objective information about college savings and prepaid plans across the country, helping families make informed decisions about saving for college.

“Diversity and inclusion matter. It is important that the leadership of our programs better reflect society,” said Purifoy. “By expanding the breadth of experiences and perspectives of those guiding these savings plans, we increase the value that we bring to all of those that we serve.”

The new committee begins work this spring, with the goal of addressing diversity issues and institutionalizing inclusion across CSPN and its initiatives. Recommendations will be brought forward to develop “new avenues and opportunities for a wider number and variety of members to assume leadership roles on national committees, at conferences and in working groups.” The committee will meet monthly.

The strategic plan for the national college savings plan group calls for a general broadening of representation among board members, committee chairs, conference presenters and other positions of leadership, to better reflect the universe of investors and plan users.

Joining Sabra as Co-Chair of the new committee will be Khalel Pritchard, Manager—Relationship Management for Ascensus.

Oregon Treasury administers two college savings programs: the Oregon College Savings Plan, available directly to the public, and the MFS 529 Savings Plan, available through financial planners and brokers. Savings from these programs can be used for trade school, apprenticeships, college, and much more. In addition to tuition, funds can cover books, supplies, and housing. Participating families are eligible to receive a state income tax credit up to $300.