Melissa Gardner, community outreach coordinator at Andrews Federal Credit Union, will serve as the sole credit union representative on the newly created Maryland Financial Education & Capability Commission.

Gardner was appointed by Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley, according to the $900 million Andrews FCU in Suitland, Md.

The commission's task is to improve the financial education and capability of residents of the state by monitoring the implementation of public and private initiatives, according to officials. The commission will make recommendations on the coordination of financial education and capability efforts across state agencies and submit reports on its findings.

“I'm excited to be appointed to the only credit union seat available on the commission,” Gardner said. “Andrews Federal has had a financial education department since 2005 and we, along with other credit unions in the state, continue to see financial education as an important part of our service to our members.”

The commission will meet for the first time on Friday at the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development in Crownsville, Md.

Sen. Katherine Klausmeier (D-Md.) and Maryland Delegate Dana Stein (D-Baltimore County) serve as co-chairpersons for the commission.