The $635 million Michigan First Credit Union has selected Victoria Goldwater asthe 2013-2014 spokesperson, or spokester, for Young & FreeMichigan, an initiative to promote a positive financial message toyoung adults (17-25) throughout Metro Detroit.

A native of the Detroit suburb of Clinton Township and acommunications major at Macomb Community College, Goldwater, 20,will be the voice of Michigan First for her peers in southeastMichigan, serving as a full-time employee.

She will be responsible for writing daily blog posts, creatingweekly video updates, attending a variety of local events andparticipating in multiple media opportunities, the credit unionsaid.

“As a credit union founded by educators, it's critical for us tocontinue to share the value of making smart financial decisionswith the next generation—and to do it in a way that's fresh andexciting,” said Michigan First President/CEO Michael Poulos.“Victoria has risen to that challenge and will be a wonderfulambassador for this program. With her vibrant personality andoutgoing nature, we're thrilled to watch her engage with audiencesand help many more high school and college students, as well asrecent graduates, gain the tools to live young and free.”

This year, Young & Free Michigan spokester applicants were required tosubmit an initial essay and video. Through more than 7,000 onlinevotes, the search was narrowed down to 12 who attended MichiganFirst's Show Your Stuff Meet-Up event.

There, each applicant participated in a series oftasks—including mock media interviews, managing a Michigan Firstexhibit booth and improvising a skit—to evaluate their ability tocarry out the role as the next spokester.

The finalists from the event were required to draft a blog poston financial responsibility and film a video entry before a panelof judges selected the winner.

As part of the contest, Goldwater won an Apple MacBook Pro, anHD video camera and a smart phone to use on the job. She also getsto drive the Young & Free Michigan Chevy Cruze for the year,along with paid gas and insurance. The remaining 11 finalists eachreceived a $100 gift card and Young & Free Michigan brandedgifts.

Goldwater replaces outgoing Young & Free Michigan spokesterAustin Chapman, who will be returning to Lawrence Tech for hissenior year.