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April 09, 2025
The American College of Financial Services welcomes three new members to its board of trustees.
KING OF PRUSSIA, PA – April 9, 2025 – The American College of Financial Services is proud to announce the addition of Russell N. James III, JD, PhD, CFP®, Paul LaPiana, CFP®, and John C. Roberts, CFA, to its board of trustees. Their combined expertise in financial services and higher education will enhance The College’s mission to advance the profession and benefit society.
Russell N. James III, JD, PhD, CFP®, is a professor at Texas Tech University. A renowned expert in charitable financial planning, James specializes in donor psychology and philanthropic strategies. His research and teachings have significantly contributed to the understanding of charitable giving behaviors, aiding nonprofits and financial advisors in developing effective fundraising strategies. James holds both a law degree and doctorate, in addition to the CFP® certification, bringing a unique interdisciplinary perspective to the field of philanthropic planning.
Paul LaPiana, CFP®, is the head of brand, product, and affiliated distribution at MassMutual. With over 25 years of experience in the financial services industry, LaPiana leads the company’s brand strategy, product development, and distribution channels. He joined MassMutual in 2016 following the acquisition of the MetLife Premier Client Group and has since held pivotal roles, including head of product. LaPiana is a CFP® professional and holds FINRA Series 6, 7, 24, and 63 registrations. His leadership has been instrumental in driving innovation and aligning MassMutual’s offerings with the evolving needs of clients.
John C. Roberts, CFA, serves as executive vice president and chief field officer at Northwestern Mutual. Since joining the company in 2006, Roberts has held various leadership roles, including interim chief financial officer and vice president of distribution performance. In his current position, he oversees the growth and success of Northwestern Mutual’s field force, comprising over 20,000 advisors and team members, and leads the company’s wealth and investment management division. Roberts holds a Bachelor of Science in finance from Indiana University and an MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management. He is also a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) charterholder and serves on the community board for the Milwaukee Public Museum.
“We are honored to welcome Russell, Paul, and John to our board of trustees,” said George Nichols III, CAP®, president and CEO of The College. “Their exceptional leadership and industry expertise will help guide us as we expand access to applied financial knowledge, support the next generation of financial professionals, and empower individuals and communities to achieve greater financial security.”
The College’s board of trustees plays an essential role in shaping the institution’s strategic vision and fostering innovation in financial services education. The addition of these accomplished leaders underscores The College’s ongoing commitment to providing rigorous, high-impact financial education programs.
For more information about The College’s leadership, including the full roster of trustees, visit https://www.theamericancollege.edu/about-the-college/our-people/leadership.
ABOUT THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF FINANCIAL SERVICES
Founded in 1927, The American College of Financial Services is the nation’s largest nonprofit educational institution devoted to financial services professionals. Holding the highest level of academic accreditation, The College has educated over 200,000 professionals across the United States through certificate, designation, and graduate degree programs. Its portfolio of applied knowledge also includes just-in-time learning and consumer financial education programs. The College’s faculty represents some of the foremost thought leaders in the financial services industry. Visit TheAmericanCollege.edu and connect with us on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube. Discover all the ways you can expand your opportunities with us.
Contact
Sarah Tremallo
908-967-0381 / stremallo@jconnelly.com
Jared Trexler
610-526-1268 / jared.trexler@theamericancollege.edu
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