Our Story
About East-Central Illinois Group

When you work with the East-Central Illinois Group, you will have a team of professionals focusing on what is important to you.

Our practice includes:

  • A team approach with advice and planning based on your values and goals
  • Core values of faith, making a difference, and clear communication
  • A spectrum of expertise and solutions, including family and income protection, retirement accumulation and income strategies, small business benefits, wealth management, extended care strategies, planning for loved ones with special needs, and estate and legacy planning.*

We've created a process that allows you to determine if we would be a good fit.

 

Step 1 – Get to Know You - You do not need to bring anything to our first meeting – the goal of this meeting is to ensure we understand your financial goals and concerns, and you understand who we are and how we work with our clients. This is conducted either Zoom call or in-person at our Champaign office

 

Step 2 – Fact Finding Meeting – Our goal is to understand your financial position today. We would never want to give recommendations, unless we know where you are starting from. To help with this, we will provide you a checklist of documents to bring with you to be efficient of your time

 

Step 3 – Analysis – This is where being part of the East Central Illinois Group starts to really set us apart. With our team we review and dive deep into the information to answer some important questions

               - Is your retirement on track?

               - How should your portfolio be managed as you near retirement?

               - Have you addressed tax treatment of your assets? 

               - How to handle pensions and when to start Social Security? 

               - How much can you safely withdraw monthly?

               - What things can throw off the plan and can we protect against any of them? 

 

Step 4 – Evaluation Meeting –During this meeting, we will review the solutions we have for the questions listed above and we will lay out a path forward to allow you to decide how our relationship looks moving forward. We find that meeting at least annually to review after we go through the initial process is as important as the process we start with, so we plan to see you at least once a year to stay current with you

*“Thrivent and its financial professionals do not provide legal, accounting, or tax advice” 

East-Central Illinois Group our story image 1
Dean Hull
Dean HullFinancial ConsultantChFC®, CLU®, CASL®, ChSNC®

Whether you are just starting out or are preparing for retirement, Dean can help you identify the financial opportunities to help you reach your goals with confidence. He has been a part of Thrivent since 2004. He is passionate about helping each person he meets with identifying and reaching their financial goals. His expertise includes extended care planning, special needs planning and estate strategies.

Dean and his wife, Pam, live in Fithian, IL and are active members at Immanuell Lutheran in Danville, IL. He enjoys spending time with his family, golf, baseball, hockey, Civil War history and travel.

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Bruce Paulsrud
Bruce PaulsrudFinancial ConsultantCFP®, RICP®, BFA™

I specialize in investment planning and retirement preparedness. I enjoy asking thought-provoking questions regarding money, generosity, and legacy goals. My core function is to help you cut through the clutter and connect the dots between your current reality and your preferred future. Along this journey, we identify which pieces of your own financial puzzle are missing, ignored, unnecessary, or not even aligned with your goals.

As a lifetime learner, I truly enjoy hearing the sage advice and life lessons from my more experienced clients and then sharing that wisdom (along with encouragement ) with my younger clients. Despite an ever-changing world, the principals of biblically wise financial counsel stands firm.

I have always enjoyed investments and planning, and anyone who knows me also knows that I love spreadsheets! These interests brought me to this career in early 2007. As a Christian, there is no better place than Thrivent to allow me to express my faith and talents while helping others connect their faith and finances for good.

I enjoy spending time with my wife (Tracie) and two children (Andrew and Ellie), travel, movies, football, hunting, and hobby farming. I attend Friendship Lutheran Church of Joy in Champaign. My favorite quote is "Until you figure out the destination, any path will do" (Michael Hyatt). My favorite verse is Jeremiah 29:11.

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George Longfellow
George LongfellowGrowth AdvisorRICP®, BFA™, WMCP®, CEPA®
I came to Thrivent to pursue my desire to help members build strong financial futures. To help them have discussions that help them develop their financial goals and to help find ways to not only achieve those goals but do so in a manner that helps them be better members of their community and churches.I grew up in the small town of Hoopeston, IL, came to Champaign to attend the University of Illinois and met my wife, Dawn. Our first date included Saturday evening mass at St. John Newman on the University of Illinois campus, which is where we got married in 1997. We then attended Holy Cross Church in Champaign which is where our kids finished grade school before we moved to Mahomet. We now attend Our Lady of Lake in Mahomet.We are blessed with 2 great kids, Sydney and Cameron. When I am not working, I enjoy running and being outdoors gardening, as well as getting in a few rounds of golf when possible.View profile
Michael Henrichs
Michael HenrichsFinancial Associate

Michael is a passionate Associate with a deep desire to aide rural families within the community in building and preserving their wealth for generations to come. Being raised on a small family farm himself, Michael understands the distinct challenges and goals of families in this area. Michael provides custom financial strategies that match the needs and goals of his clients. He recognizes that rural families face unique challenges such as fluctuating income streams and agricultural investments. Michael’s expertise is rooted in navigating these issues and designing financial strategies that promote, stability, growth, and strength in communities both local as well as other states. By providing clear explanations and guidance, Michael empowers rural families to make informed choices that align with their values and objectives, ensuring the preservation and growth of their wealth for generations to come.  

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Pamela Koets
Pamela KoetsFinancial Associate

I got the privilege of growing up in the small town of Ashkum, IL. I come from a large extended family where we still get together for all of the things... Birthdays, holidays, watching the younger generation's activities. I am the proud mother of a beautiful daughter, Kamille. I enjoy coaching and volunteering in the community. In my pursuit of finding what would fulfill me, I discovered that I wanted to do something that would allow me to help people, and this is it. I look forward to helping people in my community make whatever their goal is possible... planning is key, and all questions are good questions.

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Beth Weldy
Beth WeldyInsurance Associate
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Lia Hege
Lia HegeFinancial AdvisorChSNC®

As your Thrivent financial professional, I can help you build a holistic financial strategy relative to your life and your priorities so you can have that sense of reassurance. Getting your finances in order isn’t always easy or clear. That’s why I’m here to provide the expertise and support you need. Whether you’re just starting out or preparing for a meaningful retirement, you deserve personalized financial guidance driven by what’s important to you. 

As a teacher-turned-financial professional, I am passionate about continuing to grow personal relationships within the community that I am blessed to have been a part of for the last 30 years. Outside of working with the East-Central Illinois Group here in Champaign, I love spending time with my husband, Erik, and our five beautiful girls: Bri, Becca, Cara, Colleen, and Alexis. I also enjoy exploring the national parks system, watching sports, and dabbling in assorted DYI crafts: upcycling, stamping, and decorating. As a long-time member of Holy Cross Church, I am blessed to serve my community by walking alongside my clients to help them live purposeful and generous lives.

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Denise Kosik
Denise KosikAssociateFIC

I came to Thrivent Financial in 2012 after a music teaching career. With a desire to continue helping families combined with a love of learning, Thrivent gives me the opportunity to work with people and share my knowledge of financial security. If your starting out with a new job or finishing a career, I can provided personalized guidance.

My husband, Dave, and I have 4 children and 7 grandchildren. We enjoy spending time with our families, traveling to wineries and cooking together.

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Dawn Walker
Dawn WalkerOffice Manager

Dawn is our office manager. When you call in to our office she is usually the first person you talk to. She has been with our office since 2009.

She is married to Stuart and they have three adults sons and one daughter-in-law. She enjoys traveling, movies, theater and playing board games as a famiy.

Join us at an upcoming eventWe’d love to have the opportunity to meet you. We host financial workshops, volunteer opportunities and Thrivent market updates.
Leaving a Thriving Legacy image
Leaving a Thriving LegacyOct 6, 2026, 10:00 PM UTC - Oct 8, 2026, 1:00 PM UTC
Virtual
We are dedicated to helping you make thoughtful plans for your future-and for the people you care about most. Join us as we discuss strategies to navigate life's unexpected challenges with confidence as we address:Essential estate planning documents everyone should haveThe purpose and role of a willEstate taxes and annual gifting limitsHow the probate process worksAdvantages of naming beneficiaries on accountsThe SECURE Act 2.0 and its impact on retirement accountsLong-term care planning: costs and optionsCharitable giving strategies and opportunitiesHow qualified charitable distributions (QCDs) workLife insurance: Creating stability for every stage of lifeThis event is designed for our clients and their adult beneficiaries. Together, we'll address common concerns about planning for aging parents and protecting family assets. We encourage you to invite your beneficiaries to attend this educational opportunity.3 sessions to choose from:Tuesday, October 6 at 5:30p.m.Wednesday, October 7 at 11:30a.m.Thursday, October 8 at 6:30p.mSpecial guest speaker: Eric W. Bilger, FIC, Financial Advisor, ThriventNo products will be sold. Thrivent and its financial advisors and professionals do not provide legal, accounting, or tax advice. Consult your attorney or tax professional.Thrivent financial advisors and professionals have general knowledge of the Social Security tenets. For complete details on your situation, contact the Social Security Administration.Thrivent is the marketing name for Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. Insurance products issued by Thrivent. Not available in all states. Securities and investment advisory services offered through Thrivent Investment Management Inc., a registered investment adviser, member FINRA and SIPC, and a subsidiary of Thrivent. Licensed agent/producer of Thrivent. Registered representative of Thrivent Investment Management Inc. Advisory services available through investment adviser representatives only. Thrivent.com/disclosures.Insurance products, securities and investment advisory services are provided by appropriately appointed and licensed financial advisors and professionals. Only individuals who are financial advisors are credentialed to provide investment advisory services. Visit Thrivent.com or FINRA's BrokerCheck for more information about our financial advisors.31374F R12-25
Pumpkins, Play & Purpose image
Pumpkins, Play & PurposeOct 12, 2026, 5:00 PM UTC
Curtis Apple Orchard
Celebrate the season with family, friends, and community! Join Thrivent at Curtis Orchard in Champaign, Illinois, for an afternoon of fall fun, fellowship, and generosity. Enjoy lunch and explore all the seasonal favorites, from pumpkins and apple orchards to activities designed for all ages.In addition to the festivities, guests will have the opportunity to participate in a special generosity project - because making a difference together is one of the best ways to celebrate.Whether you're making family memories, connecting with friends, or simply enjoying the beauty of the season, this event offers something for everyone.This is a free event, but space is limited, so reserve your spot today! No products will be sold at this event.
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Ready to connect?

We'd love to answer any questions you may have and start learning about your goals. We can meet however you're most comfortable—phone, virtual or in person.

Or call us directly: 217-819-4646

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.