Our Founders

The Professional Alliance is led by a senior management team with a combined total of 40 years experience in the securities and financial services industry.

Douglas F. Tarella, CFP®
President, Director

Based in Boston, Mr. Tarella is responsible for supporting Advisor/Reps, as well as compliance, finance and marketing for The Professional Alliance. Doug is an ex-banker who has extensive experience in the manufacturing and distribution of financial products and services. He began his career in 1974 and his extensive resume includes such notable positions as Chief Operating Officer at Pioneer Bank, Senior Vice President at MFS/Sun Life Financial, Vice President of Strategic Development at Phoenix Investment Partners and President of Financial Services Exchange.

Doug's experience has focused on helping existing businesses expand into financial services. He has worked with banks, credit unions, accounting firms and law practices throughout the United States. His knowledge of these unique business models led him to develop the concept of compliance mystery shopping, and he became one of the nation's leading authorities on the subject. This unique auditing process is currently used throughout the United States by securities firms, banks and regulators.

An accomplished speaker, Doug served as an industry spokesperson and then brought his training skills to financial institutions such as Bank of America, Lincoln National and Kaplan Financial. He has made numerous presentations for organizations such as the Bank Securities Association, the Investment Company Institute and the AICPA. He has served on the faculty of the New England College of Finance.

Doug is a graduate of Stonehill College, with an MBA from Northeastern University and a Graduate Certificate in Accounting from McIntosh College. He has earned a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) designation. In addition, Doug has received numerous honors throughout his career, including being named as “Industry Speaker of the Year" and listed among “Who's Who in America.”

Throughout his career, Doug has been active in community affairs through service organizations such as Rotary International and Lions International (where he received a Joseph J. Camarda Fellowship Award). He and his wife live in the Boston area with their three children.

Rochelle L. Slattery
Vice President, Chief Operating Officer

Based in Minneapolis, Ms. Slattery is responsible for supporting Advisor/Reps, as well as compliance, operations and training for The Professional Alliance. The highlights of Shelly's more than 18-year career in the industry include comprehensive operations and management responsibilities in banking and financial services. Prior to joining The Professional Alliance, Shelly was Vice President of Strategic Development for Trusted Securities Advisors Corp /MONY Group. In that position, Ms. Slattery oversaw every facet of broker/dealer operations and her team consistently delivered an exceptional level of personalized service and Rep support. She has had senior management responsibility for most broker/dealer functions, including Operations, Registration/Licensing, Training and Compliance. In addition, Shelly has managed the development and implementation of training and education programs offered to Rep/Advisors, as well as to their individual clients.

Shelly is a skilled communicator with groups and individuals from upper management to employees.  She has managed the development and implementation of training and education programs offered to representatives, as well as to their individual clients.  Regularly recognized for her leadership and outstanding management skills, she has received numerous honors and accolades throughout her career.

Her experience, attention to detail and overall understanding of the industry enables her to be an integral part of The Professional Alliance team.  Shelly holds her NASD Series 7, 24, 5 3 and 63 licenses and a Minnesota Insurance Producers License for VA, Accident/Health & Life. She operates as OSJ Designee.

Shelly lives in the Minneapolis area with her husband Dave and their three children.