Capitol Region Group's lead Wealth Advisor, Sam Chang, CFA®, spent the first 16 years of his career working on Wall Street, and now his goal is to bring high-quality financial guidance to you.
As a child of immigrant parents who struggled to make ends meet, and as an adult who has benefited from financial planning, Sam’s life experiences have also helped make him the wealth advisor he is today.
Since its inception, Capitol Region Group has focused on providing a team-based approach to client care. This enables us to utilize our team members’ unique areas of expertise when building your personalized, holistic financial plan. Our team has grown steadily over the years and partners with multiple financial professionals who have a variety of specialties.
At Capitol Region Group, we believe our clients deserve a team of highly competent, dependable and transparent financial professionals to help them work toward their financial goals and dreams. If you feel like we might be a good fit for your needs, schedule an appointment today to learn more.
Our experience, credentials and awards
Sam Chang holds the Chartered Financial Analyst®, CFA® designation granted by the CFA Institute. The CFA® program provides the highest distinction in the investment management profession with a strong foundation in advanced investment, analysis and real-world portfolio management skills. Topics covered include economics, quantitative methods, financial reporting and analysis, portfolio management, wealth planning, equity investments, fixed income and more. To receive the CFA® designation, candidates must pass all three levels of the CFA® Program examinations, complete qualified work experience, meet professional and ethical standards, provide professional references, and become a member of CFA Institute. There are no required continuing education requirements to maintain this designation.
Sam Chang of Capitol Region Group is a Ramsey SmartVestor™ Pro. He feels honored to be part of their network of financial professionals in his local area. The SmartVestor program connects consumers with financial professionals in their area. To join the SmartVestor program, financial professionals must meet the SmartVestor program requirements, and pay an enrollment fee that depends on the area served, plus a fixed monthly fee.Neither Ramsey Solutions nor the SmartVestor program are affiliated with or endorsed by Thrivent. Views are theirs and not necessarily those of Thrivent or its affiliates.
At Capitol Region Group, our team offers over 40 years of combined experience.
Thrivent - Strong and stable**
We are proud to be part of Thrivent, a company with a long heritage of financial strength and fiscal stability. For more than 120 years, Thrivent has helped people build their financial futures and live more generous lives.
Our continuous commitment to financial excellence
$212B Assets under advisement/management (December 31, 2025)
A++ Superior rating (highest of 13 rating categories) from A.M. Best (September 2025)
120+ More than 120 years of service to our clients, serving 2.4 million clients
Fortune 500 Named in Fortune magazine (June 2025)
*SmartVestor™ is an advertising and referral service for investment professionals (“Pros”) operated by The Lampo Group, LLC d/b/a Ramsey Solutions® ("RS"). Thrivent financial advisor, Sam Chang (“Advisor”) has entered into an agreement with RS under which Advisor pays RS a one-time training fee of $0, a flat monthly membership fee of $400, and a flat monthly territory fee of $900 to advertise Advisor’s services through SmartVestor and to receive client referrals from interested consumers who are located in Advisor’s geographic region.
Because of the arrangement described above, RS has an incentive to recommend Pros that are a part of the SmartVestor program. This incentive creates a material conflict of interest for RS, which you should be aware of and carefully consider in connection with your discussions with RS and Advisor.
The fees paid by Advisor to RS are paid irrespective of whether you become a client of Advisor and are not passed along to you. However, you should understand that all Pros that are available through SmartVestor pay RS fees to participate in the program. Further, the amount of compensation each Pro pays to RS will vary based on certain factors, including whether the Pros choose to advertise in local or national markets. RS has a financial incentive to present certain Pros that offer their services on a national basis ("National Pros") more often than other National Pros that pay lower fees.
It is up to you to interview Advisor and decide whether you want to hire them. RS introduces you to Pros that cover your geographic area based on your zip code. Neither RS nor its affiliates provide investment advice or recommendations as to the selection or retention of any Pro, nor does RS evaluate whether any particular Pro is appropriate for you based on your investment objectives, financial situation, investment needs, or other individual circumstances. RS does not warrant any services of Advisor or any SmartVestor Pro and makes no claim or promise of any result or success by retaining Advisor. Your use of SmartVestor, including the decision to retain the services of Advisor, is at your sole discretion and risk. Advisor has completed Ramsey Pro Training and signed an RS Code of Conduct under which they have agreed to certain general investment principles, such as eliminating debt and investing for the longer-term, but RS does not monitor or control the investment advisory services provided.
Neither Ramsey Solutions nor the SmartVestor program are affiliated with or endorsed by Thrivent. Views are theirs and not necessarily those of Thrivent or its affiliates.
**As of Dec. 31, 2025.
1Ratings are based on Thrivent’s financial strength and claims-paying ability. Does not apply to investment product performance. For information on each rating, visit the individual rating agency’s website.
“World’s Most Ethical Companies” and “Ethisphere” names and marks are registered trademarks of Ethisphere LLC. For details, visit worldsmostethicalcompanies.com.
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.
Expertise: Retirement Planning
Financial Advisor Scott Curtis, CFP®, FIC, brings extensive experience in retirement income planning and multigenerational strategies. He takes a thoughtful, client-centered approach, guiding individuals and families through complex financial decisions with clarity and confidence. Scott is committed to developing personalized strategies that empower clients to achieve a secure and fulfilling retirement.
Expertise: Operations Management
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: Personalized Financial Planning
Jason Baird, Financial Advisor, contributes his expertise to deliver clear, personalized financial guidance that helps individuals and families make confident decisions. Together with the team, he supports clients in preparing for retirement, growing and protecting wealth, building a lasting legacy, and creating financial plans aligned with their unique goals and values.
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: Investment Strategy
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: Dedicated Planning Professional
Joint field work partner, Vann Doubleday, Financial Consultant, collaborates with the team to share his extensive expertise on dedicated planning.
*Although Vann is not a member of Capitol Region Group, he partners with the team with retirement income planning joint field work. To learn more about Vann, please visit his website at: https://connect.thrivent.com/vann-doubleday.
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.
*Although Jodi is not a member of Capitol Region Group, she collaborates with the team to provide customized financial strategies for individuals and families at every stage of life. To learn more about Jodi, please visit her website at: https://connect.thrivent.com/jodi-gaynor
Expertise: Retirement Planning & Small Business Solutions
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.
Although Casey is not a member of Capitol Region Group, he partners with the team on retirement planning and comprehensive wealth strategy for established business owners and mid-career corporate professionals across a variety of industries. To learn more about Casey, please visit his website at: https://connect.thrivent.com/casey-sthenry.
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: 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: Educational Planning
Financial Advisor William Leach, CKA®, specializes in college planning and family-focused financial strategies. He takes a thoughtful, client-centered approach, helping families navigate the complexities of saving and preparing for a child’s future education. William is dedicated to creating personalized plans that give families confidence and clarity as they work toward their educational and financial goals.
Expertise: Special Needs Planning
Joint field work partner, Hannah Magrum, Wealth 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/.
Or call us directly: 860-474-3600
Licensing is available through your State Insurance Department’s website, which can be located through the National Association of Insurance Commissioners website.
Thrivent financial advisors and professionals have general knowledge of the Social Security tenets. For complete details on your situation, contact the Social Security Administration.
Not all team members may provide all products, programs and services in all states.
Not all team members may office at the locations listed.
* as of December 31, 2024
** Thrivent and its financial advisors and professionals do not provide legal, accounting or tax advice. Consult your attorney or tax professional.
Rating is based on Thrivent’s financial strength and claims-paying ability. Does not apply to investment product performance. For information on this rating, visit the rating agency's website.
Designations
For additional information on professional designations and the requirements to earn them, visit https://www.thrivent.com/designations
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States to Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., which authorizes individuals who successfully complete the organization's initial and ongoing certification requirements to use the certification marks.