About us
Discover what makes our Thrivent Member Network possible. Learn about our local and national leadership, and how we're making a difference as a holistic financial services organization.
More to explore
Thrivent has something for everyone. Whether you're looking for the next step in your career, membership options or financial products—we can help.
With banking, insurance, investments and personalized financial guidance, we have products and services that meet you where you're at.
Discover the advantages of being a Thrivent member. We provide access to benefits, tools and resources to help you live a life full of meaning.
Put your skills and ideas into action in meaningful ways. We offer development opportunities, competitive compensation and attractive benefits to our corporate team members and financial advisors.
Regional leadership
The Thrivent Member Network regional board is made up of Thrivent clients with membership. The board provides leadership and strategic insights to help carry out Thrivent's mission on a local level. Clients with membership can have a voice by voting in the elections for the Thrivent Member Network board.
With years of experience in education and nonprofit leadership, Dr. Julie Turner has worked as a K-12 teacher and administrator, specialist in fund development and grant writing, and held various leadership roles with organizations like Big Brothers & Big Sisters of Greater St. Louis, Children’s Advocacy Services of Greater St. Louis, and the Today and Tomorrow Educational Foundation. Dr Turner obtained her BA in Sociology, Religion, and Education from Hope College; her MA in Adult and Continuing Education from Michigan State University; and her Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from the University of Missouri-St. Louis.
For over 15 years, Julie served as Professor of Nonprofit Administration at Lindenwood University – Plaster School of Business & Entrepreneurship; Associate Director of the Duree Center for Entrepreneurship; and Manager, Grants and Research. Recognized as "Professor of the Year" by the Lindenwood Student Government Association in 2020, Dr. Turner has received several other honors including the "Emerson Award for Teaching Excellence" in 2015 and the "Lindenwood Service Award" in 2018.
Effective November 1, 2024, Julie assumes the role of President/CEO of United Services for Children, whose mission to provide inclusive, high-quality early childhood education and therapeutic services to empower children and their families.
Additionally, she serves as Chair of the Community Council of St. Charles County, immediate past-Chair of Vision Leadership St. Charles, and Regional Chair of Thrivent Financial-Heartland Region. Additionally, she actively volunteers within school, nonprofit, and church settings. In 2020, she received the ATHENA Leadership Award for Women-St. Charles County, acknowledging her professional achievements, commitment to community betterment, and promotion of women's advancement.
For over 15 years, Julie served as Professor of Nonprofit Administration at Lindenwood University – Plaster School of Business & Entrepreneurship; Associate Director of the Duree Center for Entrepreneurship; and Manager, Grants and Research. Recognized as "Professor of the Year" by the Lindenwood Student Government Association in 2020, Dr. Turner has received several other honors including the "Emerson Award for Teaching Excellence" in 2015 and the "Lindenwood Service Award" in 2018.
Effective November 1, 2024, Julie assumes the role of President/CEO of United Services for Children, whose mission to provide inclusive, high-quality early childhood education and therapeutic services to empower children and their families.
Additionally, she serves as Chair of the Community Council of St. Charles County, immediate past-Chair of Vision Leadership St. Charles, and Regional Chair of Thrivent Financial-Heartland Region. Additionally, she actively volunteers within school, nonprofit, and church settings. In 2020, she received the ATHENA Leadership Award for Women-St. Charles County, acknowledging her professional achievements, commitment to community betterment, and promotion of women's advancement.
Marc Poirier is the owner of Abbey Placements, a multi-generational staffing company based in Bloomington, IL. He is a member of the spiritual leadership group and is a worship leader in the Bloomington Church of Christ. Professionally, Marc is involved in the Bloomington-Normal Sunrise Rotary Club and is an ambassador with the McLean County Chamber of Commerce.
When asked “what do you hope to accomplish in your board role?” Marc replied “In the next three years, I hope to be a connection between Thrivent and our regional community, especially Central Illinois. I’ve been consistently I’m pressed with Thrivent’s commitment to service and financial support. Hopefully I can guide their efforts to where help is needed most, to where outstanding individuals and organizations making a difference in the world with limited resources would greatly benefit from Thrivent’s help. And I look forward to learning more about Thrivent along the way.”
When asked “what do you hope to accomplish in your board role?” Marc replied “In the next three years, I hope to be a connection between Thrivent and our regional community, especially Central Illinois. I’ve been consistently I’m pressed with Thrivent’s commitment to service and financial support. Hopefully I can guide their efforts to where help is needed most, to where outstanding individuals and organizations making a difference in the world with limited resources would greatly benefit from Thrivent’s help. And I look forward to learning more about Thrivent along the way.”
Jessica Lotz is the Leadership & Development Coordinator for the O’Fallon-Shiloh Chamber of Commerce. She attends church at First Baptist Church in O’Fallon and enjoys being a servant leader for a variety of local and regional Boards of Directors covering education, non-profit and financial services firms. She has also served as an Honorary Commander for the 635th Supply Chain Operation Wing for the United States Air Force.
In addition to volunteering her time, she teaches strengths-based leadership to executive and senior management in the marketing and financial sectors. She also facilitates the Leadership Institute, a program dedicated to identifying and developing the next generation of leaders.
When asked “why are you interested in being a part of the regional Thrivent Member Network?” Jessica replied, “I’ve seen, firsthand, Thrivent’s commitment to financial wellness and to enabling members to live a life of service and generosity. Serving on the TMN board is truly a highlight of my personal and professional career and I’m thankful for the chance to represent members and grow Thrivent’s impact.”
In addition to volunteering her time, she teaches strengths-based leadership to executive and senior management in the marketing and financial sectors. She also facilitates the Leadership Institute, a program dedicated to identifying and developing the next generation of leaders.
When asked “why are you interested in being a part of the regional Thrivent Member Network?” Jessica replied, “I’ve seen, firsthand, Thrivent’s commitment to financial wellness and to enabling members to live a life of service and generosity. Serving on the TMN board is truly a highlight of my personal and professional career and I’m thankful for the chance to represent members and grow Thrivent’s impact.”
Mary Elizabeth Grimes is a purpose driven and successful leader. She currently is responsible for stewarding over 200 students from 5th grade to college graduation and beyond. As executive leader for Marian the success of the organization is dependent on her ability to ensure that all students have a chance to finish high school, succeed in post-secondary education and into a sustainable career. She also encourages her staff, faculty, and students to reach their full potential. Mary Elizabeth has elevated the organization to its next level of growth and recognition.
Mary Elizabeth is a member of Cathedral Basilica St. Louis where she volunteers as a lector and lector trainer. For her leadership and contributions to the community Mary Elizabeth has been recognized by several organizations: Saint Louis University Martin Luther King Educational Leadership Award, Missouri Athletic Club Woman of Distinction Award, YWCA Distinguish Leader Award, St. Louis Business Journal Diverse Leaders Award, Rise Collaborative Woman of Influence Award, St. Louis Business Journal Diversity Leaders Award, Youth and Family Center Equalizer Award, Incarnate Word Foundation Leadership Award, Gazelle Magazine Top 50 Women of Influence Award. Mary Elizabeth is also a motivational speaker. She recently wrote an excerpt of her life story featured in the third volume of On the RISE, a collaborative writing effort by members of RISE Collaborative Workspace, and she is a contributing author to HERstory, a compilation of wit, wisdom and whimsy written by 89 members of the YWCA Metro St. Louis Academy of Leaders.
Mary Elizabeth also finds time to serve on community boards like the Convention and Visitors Commission and Rooted Sisters.
When asked “why are you interested in being part of the regional Thrivent Member Network?” Mary Elizabeth replied “Board leadership means having input on Thrivent’s strategic direction which includes client acquisition, employee recruitment, market growth as well as the community impact the organization chooses to address. The most crucial benefit to serving on the board is to make a real difference. I’m committed to playing a role in the organization’s ongoing success.”
Mary Elizabeth is a member of Cathedral Basilica St. Louis where she volunteers as a lector and lector trainer. For her leadership and contributions to the community Mary Elizabeth has been recognized by several organizations: Saint Louis University Martin Luther King Educational Leadership Award, Missouri Athletic Club Woman of Distinction Award, YWCA Distinguish Leader Award, St. Louis Business Journal Diverse Leaders Award, Rise Collaborative Woman of Influence Award, St. Louis Business Journal Diversity Leaders Award, Youth and Family Center Equalizer Award, Incarnate Word Foundation Leadership Award, Gazelle Magazine Top 50 Women of Influence Award. Mary Elizabeth is also a motivational speaker. She recently wrote an excerpt of her life story featured in the third volume of On the RISE, a collaborative writing effort by members of RISE Collaborative Workspace, and she is a contributing author to HERstory, a compilation of wit, wisdom and whimsy written by 89 members of the YWCA Metro St. Louis Academy of Leaders.
Mary Elizabeth also finds time to serve on community boards like the Convention and Visitors Commission and Rooted Sisters.
When asked “why are you interested in being part of the regional Thrivent Member Network?” Mary Elizabeth replied “Board leadership means having input on Thrivent’s strategic direction which includes client acquisition, employee recruitment, market growth as well as the community impact the organization chooses to address. The most crucial benefit to serving on the board is to make a real difference. I’m committed to playing a role in the organization’s ongoing success.”
Our leaders work in the best interest of our membership––not third-party shareholders, like publicly traded companies. Clients with a benefit membership can vote in the annual election for the Thrivent Board of Directors. As the organization’s supreme governing body, the board focuses on serving the interests of the membership, both now and into the future. The board establishes and promotes Thrivent’s purpose and oversees major business decisions, and works with leadership to assess and manage risk. Get to know the people who serve on the Thrivent Board of Directors and the executive leadership team.