About Higher Ground Financial Group
Meet Our Team

Bobby Blackburn
- Title
Market Developer
- State(s) Licensed
- AL, AR Insurance Lic. #8582440 , AZ, CA Insurance Lic. #4201505 , CO, CT, FL, GA, HI, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, NE, NH, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, TN, TX, VA, WA, WI,
- Website
- https://connect.thrivent.com/bobby-blackburn
- bobby.blackburn@thrivent.com
- Phone
- 615-557-4961

Katie Braun
Katie has been at Thrivent since 2013 and began her Thrivent career in the Annuities Interaction Center before moving to Field Practice Solutions in 2022. She brings over 13 years of customer care experience and strives to create positive customer interactions. Outside of work she loves to go on adventures with her 2 children and rescue dog.
- Title
Senior Field Practice Solutions Specialist - LIC

Brandon Forster
Brandon has been with Thrivent since 2022 where he began his career as a Financial Advisor in North Carolina before moving to FPS in 2024. Before working at Thrivent, Brandon worked as a Mortgage Loan Closer and Mortgage Loan Officer. Brandon received his Master’s Degree in finance in 2020. Outside of work, he loves spending time with his wife and 3 kids.
- Title
Field Practice Solutions Specialist LIC

Betsy Sitkie
Betsy has been with Thrivent since 2023 where she began her career as an Insurance Representative Associate in Crystal Lake, Illinois before moving to FPS in 2025. Before working at Thrivent, Betsy worked as a Paraprofessional for School District 47. Prior to that, she worked at BMO-Harris Bank for 16 years. Outside of work, she loves spending time with her husband and 2 kids, reading and camping.
- Title
Field Practice Solutions Specialist LIC

Sally White
Sally has been with Thrivent since 2025 where she began her career in FPS. Before working at Thrivent, Sally worked as a licensed High Net Worth Representative for another investment firm. Prior to that she worked as a Certified Pharmacy Technician. Sally received her undergraduate degree in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics in 2024. Outside of work, she loves painting, reading, and spending time with her husband and 2 children.
- Title
Field Practice Solutions Specialist LIC

Connetta Cobb
Connetta joined Thrivent in 2026, where she began her role in FPS. Before working at Thrivent, Connetta worked at CNO Financial group in the Annuity New Business department for 12 yrs. Prior to that she worked at Cigna Health. Outside of work, she loves baking pastries and spending time with her daughter and grand pups.
- Title
Field Practice Solutions Specialist UNL