John leads a team of more than 400 employees dedicated to unleashing potential and helping learners achieve new possibilities. Since joining Certus in 2017, he's led the company through rapid growth and transformation, helping Certus become one of the leading digital training companies. In 2019, John was named one of Orlando Business Journal's CEOs of the Year. And in 2021, he was recognized for his role in helping earn, in partnership with Ridgemont Equity Partners, Deal Award's Private Equity Middle Market Deal of the Year. John is a graduate of Washington and Lee University and an active member of his Charlotte community, where he serves on the board of multiple nonprofits. He is a proud husband and father, a music enthusiast and strongly believes that blue cheese is the only suitable dipping sauce for wings.
With over 15 years of CFO experience with private equity backed companies, Jay is well positioned to lead the overall financial management of our company. This includes accounting, financial planning and analysis, revenue and expense management, M&A, investor relations and tax. Jay lives in Florida, enjoys reading nonfiction and, if he weren't CFO of Certus, would be the lead guitarist in a Guns N' Roses tribute band.
Ashley oversees all things human capital, helping Certus live our vision of being a people-first company. Combining her knowledge of human resources and executive leadership, as well as a background in law, Ashley's passion for encouraging people to be true to who they are permeates our virtual walls. Ashley lives in Charlotte with her husband, kids and furry officemate Gus. She loves playing board games with family and racking up Audible titles. She'd relish the opportunity to play Jessica Fletcher in an off-off Broadway production.
Will brings years of expertise and experience to his role as Certus' Chief Technology Officer, where he oversees a team responsible for the company's platforms and technology. This includes developing Certus' industry-leading Learning Management System that delivers our full suite of digital training to students, professionals and businesses alike. Outside of work, Will enjoys spending time with family and friends, off-roading in his Jeep, car-top camping and competitive marksmanship (a good friend to have around if you're ever in trouble!).
Rob leads a diverse team of marketers that serve as an in-house agency. The team is responsible for developing and executing data-driven marketing strategies to continuously optimize performance on Certus' dozens of go-to-market brands. Rob and his wife are both Florida natives and reside there with their two children. Rob is an avid outdoorsman with passion for running, surfing and competing in triathlons and paddleboard races. Fun fact: He has hiked the entire Appalachian Trail.
Holly leads Certus' Enterprise organization, which is responsible for business-to-business (B2B) content and technology solutions, sold primarily on a subscription basis. This includes industry-leading clients such as Amazon, Chick-fil-A, Target, Microsoft and more. Holly holds a bachelor of science in biochemistry from the University of Minnesota and a master's in business administration from Indiana Wesleyan University. She enjoys reading, outdoor activities with her family and keeping her colleagues on point with the latest fashion trends.
Kim's dedication to learning and passion for digital transformation have been the driving forces behind her expansive and successful career in publishing and eLearning. Kim joined Certus in 2021 to lead our Academy organization, which is responsible for the creation and delivery of business-to-professional (B2P) content and technology, sold primarily on a direct basis. Kim is a Colby College graduate, lives in Boston and is Certus' resident travel connoisseur (she's visited 102 countries to date!).
With nearly 40 years of experience in the business insurance services industry, Derrick — more commonly known as “Huck” here at Certus — is an industry-recognized notary expert who had bonded more than 2.5 million notaries public. He has served in national executive leadership roles at the American Society of Notaries and was the first to market with remote online notarization training and bonding. In his free time, Derrick enjoys traveling, spending time with family, golfing, bill fishing and running.