Now that the ICMA Retirement Corp. has tied down its agreement with the state of Washington's 529 college savings plan it is seeking a national distribution partner. The specialist in administering retirement plans for state and local government employees intends to market the program within Washington and to government workers nationally, said a spokesperson. It is seeking the distribution partner to distribute the Washington plan nationally to non-government workers.

One of the key criteria for the distribution partner is a strong national distribution network, according to ICMA. The partnership would offer such a firm that currently does not have a 529 relationship with a state sponsor to jump into the market.

"We are in talks with a few distributors now but are open to hearing from more," said the spokesperson. He added that ICMA plans to offer its no-load fund products to Washington State residents. The distribution partner would be free to add its own load products to the mix for out-of-state account holders to which it distributes the product.

The firm also recently hired Gregory Dyson as senior vice president of marketing. Marketing the 529 program, as well as ICMAs new IRA product for government workers, will be important focus for Dyson.

Dyson reports directly to CEO Girard Miller. He was most recently head of marketing for the Washington, D.C. office of real-estate industry heavy-weight Cushman & Wakefield.  

Stay ahead of the news ... Sign up for our email alerts now
CLICK HERE