09/03/2026
Celebrating 17 Years of Leadership at Stocks in the Future
After 17 years of dedicated service to Stocks in the Future, Executive Director Rebecca Lange-Thernes will retire this September.
“Stepping away from the organization and mission I have passionately served for 17 years is certainly bittersweet,” Rebecca shared.
When asked what she is most proud of accomplishing during her time at SIF, Rebecca was quick to recognize the many people who made that work possible.
“Accomplishments require teams of people including the board, our committees, employees, contract workers, consultants, teachers, principals, and outside contractors coming together and working toward a common goal. It has been a complete joy working with so many people who share our commitment to SIF’s mission.”
Looking back, Rebecca highlighted five accomplishments from her 17 years:
• Providing consistency and strengthening board leadership. Rebecca followed nine executive directors who served during the organization’s first ten years. During her tenure, SIF moved from an advisory to a fiduciary board model, formed a new executive board, established committees and goals, and created an annual orientation process.
• Expanding SIF’s curriculum. A curriculum task force helped expand the program beyond investment skills to include basic financial literacy, recognizing that financial literacy is about much more than knowing a few acronyms.
• Improving technology. SIF launched a new website and, through its partnership with Ruby for Good, developed online student portfolios, moved curriculum online, and added interactive games and activities.
• Expanding school partnerships. SIF grew to serve 20 schools throughout Baltimore City. Despite the tremendous challenges COVID brought to schools, SIF continued improving its offerings and remains committed to expanding its school partnerships.
• Becoming an independent nonprofit. During COVID, SIF separated from the Johns Hopkins University system, which had sponsored and supported the organization during its early years. We remain grateful to JHU for its support throughout that transition.
Rebecca also expressed her gratitude for the exceptional board leadership, staff, educators, partners, supporters, and community members who have supported SIF and its mission throughout the years.
“It’s hard to leave this organization after so many years, but there comes a time to step aside and let others who have vision and passion for the concept step forward and lead it to new heights.”
Please join us in congratulating Rebecca on her retirement and thanking her for 17 years of leadership, dedication, and service to Stocks in the Future!
