Our team

Expertise: Investment Management 

Wealth Advisor Sam Chang, CFA®, founder and CEO of Capitol Region Group, has honed his passion for helping others invest intentionally. Sam’s calling to the team was nurtured by the first 16-years of his career working on Wall Street.

Book a consult with Sam Chang

Michelle Theiss serves as the Director of Operations for the Capitol Region Group of Thrivent, where she plays a pivotal role in optimizing operational efficiency and supporting the organization’s mission to help clients achieve financial clarity and live generously. Her leadership ensures that the Capitol Region Group operates seamlessly, allowing lead financial professionals to focus on delivering personalized advice and solutions to clients.

Expertise: Integrated Marketing Strategy

Marketing Specialist Whitney Small brings a thoughtful, multi-platform approach to the team’s marketing efforts. She leads the coordination of team events, manages strategic email campaigns, and oversees social media and website operations—ensuring consistent, meaningful communication that reflects the team’s values and strengthens client relationships.

Expertise: Client Care

Office Professional Cindy Clark serves as a primary point of contact for clients of the Capitol Region Group, with a dedicated focus on supporting and engaging our most valued clients. She delivers an exceptional client experience by clearly communicating the team’s values, coordinating schedules, and responding promptly and thoughtfully to client inquiries.

Expertise: Client Care

Alisha Pearson, Office Professional, plays a vital role in strengthening client relationships and enhancing communication across the practice. She focuses on re-engaging and nurturing client relationships, while supporting prospecting efforts, client outreach, and the promotion of the team’s upcoming events calendar.

Expertise: Personalized Financial Strategy & Purpose-Driven Planning

Joint field work partner, Jason Baird, Financial Advisor, collaborates with the team to share his expertise in providing clear, personalized financial guidance that empowers individuals and families to make confident decisions. He supports clients in preparing for retirement, growing and protecting wealth, building a legacy, and developing a plan aligned with their unique goals and values.

Joint field work partner, Jon Choi, Director of Investment Operations, collaborates with the team to share his extensive expertise on investments.

*Although Jon is not a member of Capitol Region Group, he partners with the team with retirement income planning joint field work. To learn more about Jon, please visit his website at: https://connect.thrivent.com/jon-choi.

Expertise: Financial Strategy & Purpose-Driven Planning

Joint field work partner, Jodi Gaynor, Financial Advisor, collaborates with the team to provide customized financial strategies for individuals and families at every stage of life. She helps clients view money as a purposeful tool to support a life of meaning, gratitude, and lasting impact.

Expertise: Retirement Planning & Wealth Strategy

Joint field work partner, Casey St. Henry, Financial Consultant, collaborates with the team to share his extensive expertise in retirement planning and comprehensive wealth strategy for established business owners and mid-career corporate professionals across a variety of industries.

Expertise: Comprehensive Wealth Planning

Joint field work partner, Adam Hess, Wealth Advisor, collaborates with the team to provide comprehensive planning and integrated strategies tailored to each stage of life. He helps clients navigate complex financial decisions while aligning family, business, lifestyle, and philanthropic goals—empowering them to make thoughtful choices and live the life they envision.

*Although Adam is not a member of Capitol Region Group, he partners with the team on comprehensive financial planning and joint fieldwork. To learn more about Adam, please visit his website at: https://connect.thrivent.com/hess-wealth-advisors.

Expertise: Financial Planning

Joint field work partner, Karl Jenson, Financial Advisor, collaborates with the team to share his extensive expertise on general financial planning.

*Although Karl is not a member of Capitol Region Group, he partners with the team with general financial planning joint field work.

Expertise: Retirement Income and Tax Planning 

Joint field work partner Soren Lancaster, Financial Advisor, collaborates with the team to share his extensive expertise on retirement income planning.

*Although Soren is not a member of Capitol Region Group, he partners with the team with retirement income planning joint field work. To learn more about Soren, please visit his website at: https://connect.thrivent.com/soren-lancaster/.

Expertise: College Planning Specialist

Joint field work partner, Bill Leach, Financial Advisor, collaborates with the team to share his extensive expertise on college planning.

*Although Bill is not a member of Capitol Region Group, he partners with the team with retirement income planning joint field work. To learn more about Bill, please visit his website at: https://connect.thrivent.com/william-leach.

Expertise: Special Needs Planning

Joint field work partner, Hannah Magrum, Financial Advisor, collaborates with the team to share her extensive expertise on special needs planning.

*Although Hannah is not a member of Capitol Region Group, she partners with the team with special needs planning joint field work. To learn more about Hannah, please visit her website at: https://connect.thrivent.com/hannah-magrum/.