Journalist-turned-investor-education-advocate, Terri Williams, has received the 2006 Outstanding Service Award from the North American Securities Administrators Association.

Williams, a former reporter for both the Toronto Sun and Investment Executive, was feted at NASAA’s spring conference in Washington, DC earlier this month. She was singled out for, “distinguished service and significant contributions to investor protection and education in Ontario and throughout North America”.

“Your determined advocacy of the importance of financial literacy and education, including your efforts as both Canadian Liaison and a member of the NASAA Investor Education Section, have served the best interests of the NASAA membership and investors,” noted the citation. “You have successfully harnessed technology to convey important investor education messages to the widest possible audiences with innovation, humor, and flair in both online and print media.”

“For these services and the many more that you have provided to NASAA, the members of the North American Securities Administrators Association hereby recognize you and are honoured to present you with NASAA’s Outstanding Service Award.”

Williams’ achievements were made in her role as manager of Investor Education at the Ontario Securities Commission and as president and CEO of the OSC’s Investor Education Fund. Ironically, she was told on April 4 that the Fund is “going in another direction” and her services were no longer required. She received her award on May 8.