Derek Jess

Derek specializes in comprehensive wealth management for corporate executives of both public and privately held companies. With nearly a decade of experience as a lead advisor and a keen understanding of the unique challenges these business leaders face, Derek brings clarity, alignment, and a proactive approach to navigating the complexities of equity and deferred compensation as key aspects of an overall financial plan. 

As Plancorp’s subject matter expert on executive compensation, Derek plays a key role in developing planning tools and strategies for the firm that are utilized by the entire wealth management team to help clients make the most of these compensation packages.

He is frequently called on to provide specialized guidance tied to cash flow, long-term tax planning, retirement planning, and effective risk management for clients with restricted stock, performance shares, stock options, employee stock purchase plans, synthetic equity, Supplemental Executive Retirement Plans, 415 excess plans, nonqualified pensions, and other forms of compensation offered to corporate executives and directors.  

Over the years, Derek has also become deeply interested in the intersection between money and happiness, going beyond the concept of wealth as the never-ending pursuit of “more” to instead focus on helping people align the use of their time, energy, and money with the things that matter most. 

Derek is a lifelong learner with an appetite for books that far surpasses the time he sets aside to read them all. His wife will also tell you that he is (excessively) passionate about Nebraska football and sharing a nice glass of bourbon with friends. 

• 2023 Plancorp Core Value Award Winner - Embrace Collaboration

• University of Nebraska, Lincoln B.A. in Communication Studies
• College for Financial Planning, M.S. in Personal Financial Planning