Derek began his career at Don Graham and Associates in 2012 as an intern and joined the firm full time in 2014. His interest in finance started earlier, during a personal finance class at Mount Vernon High School, where he discovered a natural ability to understand financial concepts and apply them in practical ways.
Building on that foundation, Derek attended Ashland University, where he studied finance and economics while playing collegiate football. He is a Series 7 and Series 66 licensed advisor and investment adviser representative (IAR).
Derek is committed to ongoing education in investment management, advanced planning strategies, and current financial topics to ensure clients receive thoughtful, well-informed advice. He has been involved in managing client investment portfolios for more than 10 years and assumed a lead portfolio management role in 2020.
With a focus on disciplined investment strategy, comprehensive financial planning, tax-aware solutions, and collaboration, Derek helps clients work toward greater financial independence. He works with a wide range of investors—from those seeking growth-oriented strategies to those focused on conservative income and capital preservation—designing investment plans aligned with each client’s goals and risk tolerance.
Outside of work, Derek enjoys spending time with his growing family. He and his wife, Haley, have two daughters, Mylie and Lucy, and a Doberman named Ted. Derek is a member at Willard Golf Course, where he enjoys getting out for a round when time allows, and is a devoted fan of Cleveland professional sports teams and the Ashland Eagles.