Derek Hartley (BA '13) is a Columbia native who, after a brief stint at UMKC, came home to Mizzou to study Communication. With a split emphasis on Mass & Organizational Communication, he most enjoyed courses covering the cornerstones of effective communication and media literacy skills that he wishes more students and lifelong learners would spend time on.

After graduating with his B.A. in Communication and a Minor in Business Administration, Derek began his career as a content developer at Veterans United Home Loans in Columbia, MO, where he went on to work until 2016. During his tenure there, he worked as a Digital Marketing Strategist for the branch division of the company where he focused on establishing an online presence for 23 offices around the country and building effective omnichannel campaigns to drive local client acquisition and improve referral relationships. 

In 2017, Derek moved to St. Louis, MO for a unique opportunity with Build-A-Bear Workshop. For over 5 years, he worked in their marketing department covering digital channels and content development within social media, email, influencer/UGC, and even established Build-A-Bear Radio, a streaming station with iHeart that played a critical role in the brand’s transition from traditional marketing to entertainment marketing and digital transformation.

In 2022, he moved to Plancorp Wealth Management where he still works today as the Chief Growth Officer, overseeing marketing, sales, and partnerships for the firm that manages $8.6 billion for clients across the country. The core tenets of communication learned at Mizzou still resonate today in a role he feels is a unique position that highlights that marketing goes well beyond making something “look pretty” – effective branding and communication are what resonate with clients, and that same storytelling skill is incredibly important working internally as an executive leader.

With family and many friends still in Columbia, he’s a regular visitor but loves taking care of his historic home in St. Louis. Outside of work, you’ll find him cooking or enjoying the local restaurant scene as well as taking care of his dog, Mowgli.