Derek Spencer serves as a Senior Director, Strategic Growth at Ellsworth Advisors. With more than 15 years of experience working with entrepreneurs, business owners, corporate executives, and multigenerational families, Derek focuses on expanding the firm’s strategic relationships and helping clients navigate complex wealth-planning matters. His work often involves liquidity events, major life transitions, and the stewardship of generational wealth.
Derek began his wealth management career at Ellsworth Private Wealth Management, the predecessor to Ellsworth Advisors. His background spans wealth management, corporate strategy, and entrepreneurship. In addition to Ellsworth Private Wealth Management and Ellsworth Advisors, Derek served as a Partner at CAVU Financial, a Private Banker with Key Private Bank, co-founded a strategic consulting firm focused on growth and market positioning, advised companies seeking capital through equity crowdfunding, and launched ventures in spatial computing technology and financial services.
Derek holds the Series 66 securities license and has held the Certified Wealth Strategist® designation for nearly a decade. He is also licensed in life and health insurance. Derek graduated Magna Cum Laude from Kent State University with a bachelor’s degree in International Relations.
Derek serves on the Boards of the Great Lakes Science Center and the Boy Scouts of America, Lake Erie Council. He previously served on the Board of Karamu House. Derek lives in Kent, Ohio, with his wife, two young children, and their Great Dane, Duke.