Story by Kayla Fugate

John Ridley is the Managing Director-Investment Officer at The Ridley Group of Wells Fargo Advisors. John believes in giving back to the community and his alma mater. In 2012, he was appointed to serve Western Kentucky University as a member of The Board of Regents, a role inspired by his zeal for education. “I have a passion for seeing this University succeed as long as the ultimate goal is to benefit the students,” he says. He sees it his responsibility and privilege to support scholastic achievement, athletic programs and the broader university vision. John truly believes, “The spirit makes the master.”

Beyond the university he is a past member of the Board of Advisors for the Shaker Museum, previous Chairman of the State Street United Methodist Church as well as serving the Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity Alumni, and the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce.

John’s professional accomplishments include Wells Fargo Advisors President’s Council since 2004, a distinction reserved for a select group of Financial Advisors based on a high level of client centric practices. He has also been recognized as a Premier Advisor for 18 consecutive years.

Derek Hull, CFP® is a First Vice President-Investment Officer at The Ridley Group of Wells Fargo Advisors with more than 23 years of experience. Derek actively gives back to our community, having served in the role of chairman and board member for both Junior Achievement of South Central Kentucky and The Community Foundation of South Central Kentucky.

He currently serves on the executive committee and board of WKU’s Communication Department Advisory Council and Junior Achievement’s Presidents Advisory Council. A 2001 graduate of Leadership Bowling Green, Derek is also a lifetime member of the WKU Alumni Association and you will find him at many WKU events on the hill.

Derek is passionate about taking care of his clients, stating his “primary objective is to treat all of our clients as I would desire to be treated: with excellence, integrity and attention”. As he reflected upon this community, Derek says “Bowling Green is such a special place to me.

Every gathering and event brings together both familiar faces and new introductions, and the common thread through it all is a shared sense of community”.

The Ridley Group advises clients on more than $365 million in assets, serving a variety of individuals, foundations, and corporate retirement accounts.