Our Story
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
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Alex Carr
Alex CarrFinancial AdvisorMBA, 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, our daughter, Sarah, and our Yellow Labrador Retriever, Crystal, we live in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

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Casey Walker
Casey WalkerFinancial ConsultantCLU®, LUTCF®, FIC
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Cole Eberly
Cole EberlyPractice Supt Associate
Gaylon Heetland
Gaylon HeetlandAssociateCFP®, 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.

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Maurie Nelson
Maurie NelsonAssociateLUTCF®, FIC
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TJ Harkins
TJ HarkinsFinancial AdvisorFIC

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.

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Bryce Andresen
Bryce AndresenAssociate

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!

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Andrew Haase
Andrew HaaseFinancial Advisor
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David King
David KingPractice Supt Associate
Allison Thede Everman
Allison Thede EvermanOffice Professional
Kallie Barnhart
Kallie BarnhartOffice Professional
Kathy  Drury
Kathy DruryOffice Professional
Teri Burkett
Teri BurkettOffice Professional
JoAnne  Renfro
JoAnne RenfroOffice Professional
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.
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The Friday Morning BrewSep 25, 2026, 12:00 PM UTC - Sep 25, 2026, 1:30 PM UTC
Our Cedar Rapids office | 3349 Southgate Ct SW, Ste 101, Cedar Rapids
Coffee and carbs are a great way to ease into your Friday. We'd love to welcome you with some donuts and friendly conversation.
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Planning for special needs individuals and their familiesSep 29, 2026, 10:30 PM UTC - Sep 30, 2026, 12:00 AM UTC
Ushers Ferry Lodge | 5925 Seminole Valley Trail NE, Cedar Rapids, IA
Join us for a workshop where Thrivent Financial Advisor Hannah Magrum will discuss the unique complexities that go into planning for special needs individuals and their families. Hannah holds the Chartered Special Needs Consultant®️ designation, is a parent to a child with special needs and is an ambulatory wheelchair user herself.Topics discussed will include:Resources: state, local and federalMedicaid and MedicareSupport optionsHow personal financial planning impacts special needs planningIEP vs. 504Special needs trustsABLE accountsTax considerationsEnjoy a complimentary meal provided by our WhiteOak Financial Group Thrivent Community, followed by Hannah's livestream presentation and an opportunity for Q&A. For meal planning, please sign up by September 24, but walk-ins are welcome!Call 319-366-2991 or email teresa.burkett@thrivent.com if you have questions.This educational event is designed for our clients and families who wish to learn more about special needs planning. We encourage you to invite anyone who youthink may benefit to attend.No 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 provides advice and guidance through its Financial Planning Framework that generally includes a review and analysis of a client’s financial situation. A client may choose to further their planning engagement with Thrivent through its Dedicated Planning Services (an investment advisory service) that results in written recommendations for a fee.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. 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.
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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: 563-659-2991

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.