David Maccarella Joins Investment Program Association as Director of Education.

The Investment Program Association: Key Messages: IPA hires David Maccarella to serve as director of education to guide strategic planning and implementation of the association's educational initiatives.

Maccarella is charged with leading IPA's effort to educate the financial services industry about the importance of using Direct Investments to help consumers achieve a truly diversified portfolio.

Direct investing in hard assets - like non-listed real estate investment trusts (REITs), and oil and gas and equipment leasing programs - can be an effective way to truly diversify an investment portfolio.

David Maccarella has joined the Investment Program Association (IPA) as director of education, helping to further the organization's commitment to educating financial advisors about the importance of using Direct Investments to help their clients achieve a truly diversified portfolio. In this role, David will lead IPA in the strategic planning and implementation of the association's educational initiatives, as well as development and distribution of training and educational resources.

"With more than 10 years of Internet technology and online courseware design and development experience, David will help the IPA further expand the resources available to financial advisors, and increase awareness and understanding of the unique benefits of Direct Investments," said IPA Executive Director Kevin Hogan.

Previously, David played a key role in conceptualizing, writing and developing online client training courses in the financial services division of Thomson Reuters. During the four years prior, he served as project manager in the web technologies group at the New York Stock Exchange.

David has created and implemented corporate training programs, developed digital learning games and consulted in the areas of education technology and online learning for clients, including the U.S. Navy, Omnimedia and Devereux. He has also written and taught more than a dozen classroom-based courses in a variety of educational settings from after-school programs to university graduate school.

In addition to achieving a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Connecticut, David holds a master's degree in Interactive Telecommunications from New York University.

IPA is now offering a complimentary FINRA-reviewed and compliance-ready Guide to Understanding Direct Investments, which provides a thorough overview of non-listed REITs, oil and gas and equipment leasing programs. Additionally, a complimentary, introductory e-learning course, "Fundamentals of Direct Investments," is now available for the investment community. Advisors will receive two continuing education credits toward the CFP[R] designation for the course. Request your free copies of the Guide to Understanding Direct Investments, or take the free IPA e-learning course today. Visit the IPA online for more information about becoming a member. About The Investment Program Association The Investment Program Association (IPA) was formed in 1985 to provide effective national leadership for the Direct Investment industry. For the last 25 years, the IPA has successfully championed the growth of Direct Investment products, which have increased in popularity with financial professionals and investors alike. Today, the IPA is the leading advocate for the inclusion of Direct Investments in a diversified investment portfolio. The mission of the IPA is advocating Direct Investments through education.

Keywords: Energy, Defense, Oil & Gas, Stock Market, U.S. Military.

This article was prepared by Telecommunications Weekly editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2011, Telecommunications Weekly via VerticalNews.com.