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Community Corner

John E. "Ned" Richards, CLU® Receives Wesleyan Stewardship Award

Peachtree Corners resident, Ned Richards, received the prestigious Wesleyan Stewardship Award at The Wesleyan School’s annual graduation ceremony earlier this summer.  This award is given by The Wesleyan School Board of Trustees from time to time to recognize exceptional service and stewardship to Wesleyan by members of the school’s broad community. Mr. Richards and his wife, Marsha, have been parents at Wesleyan since the campus relocated to Peachtree Corners in 1996; their oldest son is a 2001 graduate of Wesleyan and their youngest son graduated this past May.

“Loyalty and service to others are the trademarks that characterize Ned Richards.  Ned loves his family, community, schools and all of the organizations that have supported and developed him through the years,” remarked Rob Binion, a member of Wesleyan’s Board of Trustees who presented the award to Mr. Richards. “There is no tangible way to measure his impact on Wesleyan. He is one of those few benefactors whose fingerprints are on just about every building and venue on this campus.  The fruits of Ned’s dutiful efforts for Wesleyan will last long after his active involvement here ends.” 

Mr. Richards’ dedication to serve others and loyalty extend to his professional life as well.  He has worked at Ashford Advisors, a 115-year-old financial services firm, since 1975.  During his more than 35 years in the industry, Mr. Richards has repeatedly been recognized for his accomplishments and applauded for his leadership. He has qualified numerous times for the Guardian Life Insurance Company’s prestigious Leaders Club and Disability Income Inner Circle.  Mr. Richards is also a regular qualifier for the industry’s Million Dollar Round Table, is an eight-time Guardian Centurion Club qualifier and has received the industry’s National Quality Award.

“Ned is an incredible example to those who know him, with a strong work ethic and a passion for serving those around him,” remarked Tom Purcell, CEO of Ashford Advisors.  “We are proud of him for all of his efforts and accomplishments and are honored to call him a member of the Ashford family.”

Mr. and Mrs. Richards have been married since 1976 and have three children and three grandchildren.  He is a devoted family man and a firm believer in being involved in his community and church.  Aside from his involvement at Wesleyan, he has been an active member of the Norcross/Peachtree Corners Rotary Club, where he has served as Treasurer and Community Service Director.  He and his family are members of Peachtree Corners Baptist Church, where he is an ordained deacon.  A native of Decatur, Georgia, Mr. Richards and his wife currently reside in Peachtree Corners, where they have lived since 1989.

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