DAVID DISTEL BECOMES WEST MICHIGAN’S FIRST CERTIFIED
TURNAROUND PROFESSIONAL
 

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Managing Director David Distel of turnaround and financial consulting firm O'Keefe and Associates in Grand Rapids, Mich. is the first in West Michigan to earn the designation of Certified Turnaround Professional (CTP) from the Turnaround Management Association (TMA).

A Grand Rapids resident, Distel has 25 years of turnaround management experience, serving in several leadership roles including Chief Restructuring Officer and Financial Advisor. He also has served as Chief Financial Officer for two major publicly traded companies. Distel is co-founder of the TMA’s West Michigan chapter.

According to the TMA, the CTP designation recognizes a high level of competency and proven experience related to workouts, restructurings and corporate renewal. Applicants must receive client testimonials of delivering results and must meet specific standards of education, experience, and professional conduct. They must also successfully complete a rigorous examination that covers financial and managerial accounting and tax, turnaround crisis management, and bankruptcy and UCC law. CTPs are required to participate in continuing education programs to maintain their certification.

"In Dave, West Michigan business owners have a certified and experienced professional with a proven track record to lean on when they require results during these economic tough times," said Pat O'Keefe, founder, O'Keefe and Associates. "To a business owner, a CTP designation means reduced risk of failure when the stakes are high and the business’ viability is on the line.  Dave is an asset to the region’s business community and to the O’Keefe & Associates team."

“The CTP designation is the industry’s most recognized certification of experience and skill for turnaround professionals,” said the TMA Vice President of Certification and President of its Certification Oversight Committee Michael Feder, CTP.  “It is a mark of distinction for professionals who have demonstrated their commitment to the corporate renewal industry and to a high standard of excellence and integrity.”

Distel joins an elite group of approximately 400 CTP’s around the globe in earning the CTP designation.  He is also a licensed Certified Public Accountant and Certified in Financial Forensics with the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

Turnaround Management Association (www.turnaround.org) is the only international non-profit association dedicated to corporate renewal and turnaround management. With international headquarters in Chicago, TMA’s 8,600 members in 43 regional chapters worldwide comprise a professional community of turnaround practitioners, attorneys, accountants, investors, lenders, venture capitalists, appraisers, liquidators, executive recruiters and consultants. Members adhere to a Code of Ethics specifying high standards of professionalism, integrity and competence.

O’KEEFE & ASSOCIATES, a financial consulting firm specializing in turnaround consulting, corporate finance, debt restructuring, business valuations, litigation support, creditor and bankruptcy services, forensic accounting, and due diligence on strategic transactions.  Established in 2001, the company has locations in Bloomfield Hills and Grand Rapids, Michigan. For more information, visit www.okeefeandassociates.com or call (616) 233-8080.