Brianne Bradley, CPA

Brianne serves as the Director of Finance at Bethany Road Bible Church, where she manages the church’s financial planning, reporting, and stewardship of resources. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Accountancy and a master’s in Accounting Science, and is a licensed CPA. In addition to her role at the church, Brianne also supports a handful of private clients with their accounting needs.

Outside of work, Brianne is a homeschooling mom to three active kids and enjoys integrating faith and learning into their daily lives. She is passionate about using her gifts to serve both her family and the church community.

John Bradley, CPA

John is a certified public accountant who has spent the last 20 plus years working with family businesses and individuals to navigate the challenges of managing a business and strategic planning to help people achieve financial success.

He helps people achieve their goals through comprehensive tax planning, succession planning, and wealth accumulation and preservation.  He also advises family offices through liquidation events, estate planning, and diversification of wealth post-transaction. 

John is involved in several community outreach endeavors, most notably currently serving as the President for Sycamore Youth Baseball and previously serving as the treasurer for the Rockford Area chapter of Habitat for Humanity for seven years.

Derrick Risley, MBA

Derrick is a Procurement Consultant for a private equity firm, where he helps portfolio companies optimize budgeting processes and navigate supplier negotiations. He holds a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting and brings a strategic, value-driven approach to financial operations and procurement management.

At home, Derrick is a dedicated husband and father of two. He and his wife are strong advocates of Financial Peace University and have successfully walked through the baby steps to become debt-free. Derrick is passionate about financial stewardship and equipping others with practical tools to achieve lasting financial freedom.

Annie Ray

Annie is a wife and mom who helps manage her family’s finances in the real-life, everyday world of grocery runs, utility bills, and household budgets. While she didn’t study finance or business, she believes anyone can learn to manage their personal finances better with the right tools and mindset—no degree required.

Professionally, Annie works as an environmental consultant, where she is responsible for estimating and tracking budgets for her projects. She also serves on the Board of Trustees for the Kishwaukee Water Reclamation District.

Annie is excited to help lead Financial Peace University again, because she understands that finances are not only a key part of our daily lives and work, but also deeply connected to how we live out our faith.

Lucas Ray, CPA

Lucas Ray serves as the Adult Ministry Pastor at Bethany Road Bible Church, where he finds joy in helping people glorify God by deepening their relationship with Jesus Christ.

He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accountancy, a Master’s in Accounting Science, and a Master of Divinity. Lucas is also a registered CPA. Before entering full-time ministry, he spent nearly 15 years in the accounting and finance field, most recently serving as a Chief Financial Officer.

Lucas deeply values time spent with family and friends, especially with his wife and children.

He has personally benefited from the principles of Financial Peace University, and has also helped lead the class in the past. He hopes this course will equip others to manage their finances wisely, break free from debt, and experience the joy of glorifying God through faithful stewardship and generous giving.