Leadership

Helene Raynaud

Helene Raynaud

President/CEO

Helene Raynaud is Guidewell Financial’s President and CEO. She comes to us with extensive experience in the credit and housing counseling industry.

Prior to joining Guidewell Financial, Helene worked at the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) for 10 years, most recently as their Chief Operating Officer. During her tenure Helene was responsible for strategic planning, program and partnership development, and fundraising. Helene also held the position of Senior VP of Business Development where she focused on federal and non-federal grants and programs in the areas of housing counseling, financial counseling, and financial coaching.

Prior to the NFCC, Helene worked with Fannie Mae where she developed foreclosure prevention programs with nonprofits, and at American Express in the United Kingdom. Helene brings a great mix of leadership, operational experience, technical breadth, and a deep passion for our industry.


Jim Craig

Jim Craig

Chief Operating Officer/EVP

Jim Craig is Guidewell Financial’s newly appointed Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President. Jim is responsible for the agency’s Counseling, Client Services, IT, Creditor Relations, and Data Analytics. His focus is on customer and employee satisfaction as well as efficient and effective operations.

Jim joins the agency with more than 23 years’ experience working in the financial counseling sector. Prior to joining Guidewell Financial, Jim served as Chief Operating Officer at Clearpoint Credit Counseling Solutions. As COO at Clearpoint, Craig instituted quality assurance measures and incentives that resulted in a customer satisfaction rating of nearly 95 percent. Over a five-year period, he also led the agency's effort to increase employee productivity and manage cultural change through seven mergers and acquisitions.

Jim holds a Masters of Business Administration from William and Mary and is a retired Army Officer.


Nick Beser

Nick Beser

Vice President, Business Development

Nick Beser is Guidewell Financial’s Vice President of Business Development. He is responsible for driving strategic partnerships and growth opportunities for Guidewell Financial. Nick also oversees of our housing counseling department. His team works with families to help them achieve their housing goals.

Nick joins us from the financial services industry having worked in mortgage sales, servicing operations, and nonprofit relationship management, most recently with Wells Fargo. Nick has expertise in affordable housing finance and economic development as well as a strong track record of developing successful collaborations among government, private sector, nonprofit, and community partners. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Salisbury University.


Devon Hyde

Devon Hyde

Director, Business Development

Devon Hyde serves as Guidewell Financial’s Director of Business Development. She supports our outreach and community education, grant and proposal development, and manages strategic partnerships.

Prior to joining Guidewell Financial, Devon was with Public Allies Maryland. Her professional experience is in workforce development, service learning, and financial social work.

Devon is a Licensed Graduate Social Worker who is focused on bringing her knowledge of human behavior and social work interventions to help individuals and families overcome barriers to reach financial stability. She has a Masters of Social Work in Social Action and Community Development from the University of Maryland, Baltimore and a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Boston University.