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Get to know WhiteOak Financial Group

Our WhiteOak Financial Group Thrivent team has been privileged to help clients build their financial futures and live generous lives since its founding in 1995. With offices in Cedar Rapids and DeWitt, Iowa; Geneseo and Geneva, Illinois; Comstock Park, Michigan; and Overland Park, Kansas, we are professionals equipped to provide personalized financial guidance and resources for every stage of life.


In 2026, our team’s name changed from Mississippi Valley Associates to WhiteOak Financial Group, but you’ll see the same faces and will receive the same personalized guidance and expertise. Our practice is growing and has expanded to include more geographical locations. Like the sturdy tree that can live for centuries and is found in many areas of the country, WhiteOak reflects our well-established, reliable practice.


One aspect that sets us apart is the holistic pairing of financial expertise with a deep commitment to supporting local causes important to our clients. Each year our Thrivent Community invites volunteers to join in a variety of community outreach projects that we organize and host. We also present educational workshops and social events to foster connections with our clients and their families.


Anytime you’re ready to explore your financial goals, we’re ready to help with purpose, heart, and clarity.

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In 2026, WhiteOak Financial Group supports these and other causes:

  • Take Away Hunger meal packaging projects for food banks and disaster relief
  • Thrivent Night at the Ballpark for Special Olympics
  • Habitat for Humanity
  • DeWitt Referral Center holiday food boxes
  • Educational workshops to help individuals and families to make the most of what they have been given
  • Inspirational community events with popular speaker Jay Payleitner presenting "What if God Wrote Your Bucket List?"
  • Special Needs Planning education

DeWitt Office

Alex Carr

Alex Carr

MBA, FIC

From my desire to help others make the most of what they've been given, I began working for Thrivent in 2020. I have also been privileged to serve in the United States Army Reserves.


I treasure my experience working out of the Cedar Rapids and DeWitt, Iowa, offices and at other locations in Illinois and Kansas as the leader of the WhiteOak Financial Group team. I am surrounded by professional and caring colleagues who share my dedication to providing personalized and quality service to help protect and grow our clients' assets.


With my wife, Julia, and my Yellow Labrador Retriever, Crystal, we live in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Title

Financial Advisor

State(s) Licensed
AL , AR Insurance Lic. #19828228 , AZ , CO , FL , GA , IA , ID , IL , IN , KS , KY , MD , MI , MN , MO , MT , NC , ND , NE , NJ , NM , OH , OK , OR , SD , TN , TX , UT , VA , WA , WI , WY
Location

3349 Southgate Ct. SW, Ste. 101, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404; 908 6th Ave., DeWitt, IA 52742

Website
https://connect.thrivent.com/alex-carr
Email
alex.carr@thrivent.com
Phone
319-366-2991
Fax

319-366-2891 (Cedar Rapids); 563-659-2891 (DeWitt)

Casey Walker

Casey Walker

CLU®, LUTCF®, FIC

Title

Financial Consultant

State(s) Licensed
CA Insurance Lic. #0L70126 , CO , FL , IA , IL , MI , MN , WI
Location

908 6th Ave., DeWitt, IA 52742

Website
https://connect.thrivent.com/casey-walker
Email
casey.walker@thrivent.com
Phone
563-659-2991
Fax

563-659-2891

Gaylon Heetland

Gaylon Heetland

CFP®, LUTCF®, FIC, CKA®, BFA™

Born from my desire to provide personalized financial guidance for all of life's moments, I founded my practice on June 28, 1995, in DeWitt, Iowa. I enjoyed growing WhiteOak Financial Group, (previously named Mississippi Valley Associates) to multiple locations with a team of amazing, caring professionals who help Christians be wise with money.


Along with my wife, Rose, I live on the southwest side of Cedar Rapids, next door to the house where Rose grew up. Blessed to raise my family in America's heartland, it is a privilege to apply my knowledge, experience, and expertise to serve the unique needs of my clients.

Title

Associate

State(s) Licensed
AZ , CO , FL , GA , IA , IL , KS , MI , MN , MO , NE , NM , OK , TX , VA , WA , WI
Location

3349 Southgate Ct. SW, Ste. 101, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404; 908 6th Ave., DeWitt, IA 52742

Website
https://connect.thrivent.com/gaylon-heetland
Email
gaylon.heetland@thrivent.com
Phone
563-659-2991
Fax

319-366-2891 (Cedar Rapids); 563-659-2891 (DeWitt)

Maurie Nelson

Maurie Nelson

LUTCF®, FIC

Title

Associate

State(s) Licensed
IA , IL , WI
Location

209 W. Exchange St., Geneseo, Illinois 61254

Website
https://connect.thrivent.com/maurie-nelson
Email
maurie.nelson@thrivent.com
Phone
309-944-4538
Fax

309-945-1961

    TJ Harkins

    TJ Harkins

    FIC

    My career as a financial advisor is rooted in a deep desire to help others faithfully steward what the Lord has entrusted to them. Guided by my Christian faith and a commitment to integrity, I began my work with Thrivent in 2025, where I am grateful to serve individuals and families through personalized, values‑based financial guidance.


    I believe strong financial planning starts with strong relationships. My goal is to provide quality service and genuine care to every individual and family I work with. Because I believe one Man demonstrated the ultimate example of sacrificial love, I strive to extend that same compassion, integrity, and commitment to others in my work each day.


    My wife, Morghan, and I enjoy active involvement in our church and local community. 2026 is bringing exciting changes as we have relocated to Grand Rapids, Michigan, along with our baby expected in November and our Golden Retriever, Maverick. I will continue to be supported by the experienced and dedicated WhiteOak Financial Group that shares my commitment to personalized service, thoughtful retirement planning, and helping to protect and grow our clients’ assets.

    Title

    Financial Advisor

    State(s) Licensed
    AL , AR Insurance Lic. #21574653 , AZ , CO , FL , IA , ID , IL , IN , KS , KY , MD , MN , MO , MT , NC , ND , NE , NJ , NM , OH , OK , OR , SD , TN , TX , UT , VA , WA , WI , WY
    Location

    5900 Alpine Ave. NW, Comstock Park, MI 49321

    Website
    https://connect.thrivent.com/thomas-harkins
    Email
    thomas.harkins@thrivent.com
    Phone
    616-805-7207
    Bryce Andresen

    Bryce Andresen

    Coming from my desire to serve others, I began working for Thrivent in 2024. I've also been serving in the United States Navy Reserves since 2016, including a deployment to Africa in 2022. Prior to that I had four years of active-duty service from 2012-2016. I am blessed with my experience working out of the DeWitt, Iowa, office as a member of Thrivent's WhiteOak Financial Group team. I am surrounded by professional and caring colleagues that share my dedication to providing personalized and quality service to help protect and grow our clients' assets.


    My wife, Jessica, and I live in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. We enjoy going to Iowa Hawkeye sporting events (especially wrestling and football), going to concerts, and hiking together! I'm also an avid bow hunter and fisherman.


    At Thrivent, we view money not as a goal, but as a tool — one that can afford you a life rich in meaning and gratitude. We believe humanity thrives when individuals make the most of all they've been given. I'm here to help you do just that!

    Title

    Associate

    State(s) Licensed
    IA
    Location

    908 6th Ave., DeWitt, IA 52742

    Website
    https://connect.thrivent.com/bryce-andresen
    Email
    bryce.andresen@thrivent.com
    Phone
    563-659-2991
    Fax

    563-659-2891

    Andrew Haase

    Andrew Haase

    Title

    Financial Advisor

    State(s) Licensed
    CO , IA , IL , IN , MN , MO , MT , NE , VA , WI
    Location

    3349 Southgate Ct. SW, Ste. 101, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404

    Website
    https://connect.thrivent.com/andrew-haase
    Email
    andrew.haase@thrivent.com
    Phone
    319-366-2991
    Fax

    319-366-2891

      David King

      David King

      Title

      Practice Supt Associate

      State(s) Licensed
      IA , IL
      Location

      3349 Southgate Ct. SW, Ste. 101, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404; 908 6th Ave., DeWitt, IA 52742

      Email
      david.king@thrivent.com
      Phone
      319-366-2991
      Fax

      319-366-2891 (Cedar Rapids); 563-659-2891 (DeWitt)

        Cole Eberly

        Cole Eberly

        Title

        Insurance Support Associate

        Location

        3349 Southgate Ct. SW, Ste. 101, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404

        Phone
        319-366-2991
        Fax

        319-366-2891

          Allison Thede Everman

          Allison Thede Everman

          Title

          Office Professional

          Location

          3349 Southgate Ct. SW, Ste. 101, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404

          Phone
          319-366-2991
          Fax

          319-366-2891

            Kallie Barnhart

            Kallie Barnhart

            Title

            Office Professional

            Location

            908 6th Ave., DeWitt, IA 52742

            Phone
            563-659-2991
            Fax

            563-659-2891

              Kathy Drury

              Kathy Drury

              Title

              Office Professional

              Location

              908 6th Ave., DeWitt, IA 52742

              Phone
              563-659-2991
              Fax

              563-659-2891

                Teri Burkett

                Teri Burkett

                Title

                Office Professional

                Location

                3349 Southgate Ct. SW, Ste. 101, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404

                Phone
                319-366-2991
                Fax

                319-366-2891

                  JoAnne Renfro

                  JoAnne Renfro

                  Title

                  Office Professional

                  Location

                  3349 Southgate Ct. SW, Ste. 101, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404

                  Phone
                  319-899-6555