[ Leadership Team ]
Empowering Economic Independence
Behind every breakthrough in financial literacy is leadership committed to shaping a more equitable future. Operating at the intersection of academia, industry, and public service, our team transforms experience into real-world financial education, advocacy, and opportunity.
Our Approach
Our leadership model is built on three core principles: access, application, and advocacy. We believe financial education should be practical, inclusive, and rooted in real-world outcomes, equipping individuals not just with knowledge, but with the confidence and tools to act.
Access
Financial education designed to reach underserved and underrepresented communities.
Application
Real-world curriculum that translates knowledge into actionable financial decisions.
Advocacy
Ongoing work in policy and education systems to expand financial literacy at scale.
Greg Coverdale, MBA, CFP®
Director of the Financial Literacy Institute and Financial Planning Program
With over 25 years of leadership in the financial services industry, Greg Coverdale serves as the Director of the Financial Literacy Institute and the CFP® Board Registered Financial Planning Program at Delaware State University. A bridge between Wall Street expertise and community-driven advocacy, Greg is dedicated to dismantling economic barriers through education and fiscal policy.
Professional Experience
His career is defined by a commitment to service, ranging from high-level wealth management at firms like Merrill Lynch and Morgan Stanley to his role as a Personal Financial Counselor for the Delaware National Guard. An alumnus of Delaware State University and a recognized 40 Under 40 honoree, Greg has further sharpened his expertise with specialized certifications from the Wharton School and the Harvard Kennedy School.
Academic & Public Impact
As a Visiting Professor, Greg translates complex financial concepts into engaging, accessible curriculum for both college and high school students. Beyond the classroom, he leverages his experience on the Delaware State Board of Education to advocate for systemic change, ensuring that the next generation is equipped with the tools for lifelong economic independence and “pathways to Wall Street” success.
Education & Certifications
- Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Finance, Delaware State University
- CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, CFP Board
- U.S. Government & Public Policy Certificate, Harvard Kennedy School
- Business Foundations Specialization, The Wharton School
- Fintech Foundations & Applications, The Wharton School
“Financial literacy is at the core of our economic growth, sustainability and independence. Thus, it is essential that we empower our communities with the necessary financial awareness and tools to effectively shape and govern their own financial destiny.”
Dr. Michael H. Casson Jr., PhD
Dean, College of Business
Delaware State University
Leadership Focus Areas
Leadership at the Financial Literacy Institute shapes the systems, partnerships, and pathways that make this work possible. Through a deliberate focus on academic rigor, industry alignment, and community impact, we translate vision into measurable outcomes that expand access to financial knowledge and opportunity.
Academic Leadership
Designing rigorous, real-world financial education that bridges theory and application—equipping students with the insight and decision-making skills needed to navigate complex financial systems.
Career Alignment
Building direct connections between education and high-impact career pathways, aligning academic experience with professional expectations and expanding access to opportunity.
Community Impact
Advancing financial literacy through policy, partnerships, and community engagement—extending impact beyond the classroom to support long-term economic resilience.
Pathways to Financial Independence
The work of the Financial Literacy Institute extends beyond leadership, shaping programs and opportunities designed to prepare individuals for long-term financial independence. Explore how this mission is translated into curriculum, student experience, and career pathways.
Advancing the Mission, Together
As the Financial Literacy Institute continues to grow, we remain committed to expanding our impact through collaboration with professionals, educators, and advocates who share our mission. By engaging diverse perspectives across academia, industry, and community, we strengthen our ability to deliver meaningful, accessible financial education.
Connect with us to explore advisory and volunteer opportunities.
