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.
Norm Robinson
Norm Robinson
Hometown: Jefferson City, Missouri
Congregation: Faith Lutheran Church
Robinson is retired from his role as executive director of the MoDOT and Highway Patrol Retirement System, but he's been actively involved in boards, including River City Habitat for Humanity and Central Missouri Lutheran Home Association. He brings his work and volunteer experience, plus 35 years as a Thrivent member, to the regional board where he "hopes to help spread the total Thrivent message to the Christian community."
Lee D. Meyer
Lee D. Meyer
Hometown: Kearney, Missouri
Congregation: King of Kings Lutheran Church, Kansas City
Meyer works as an independent director and consultant for several firms across the U.S. His background gives him expertise in board operations and insight into effective governance. He's excited to put his background to use. "I believe it is appropriate to create an up-to-date governance structure and process, and I believe that I have background and experience that can be of value in developing such."
Melanie Hepperly, CPA
Melanie Hepperly, CPA
Board Chair
Hometown: Fairway, Kansas
Congregation: First Lutheran Church, Mission Hills
Hepperly has been a member for nearly 10 years. In that time, she's noticed Thrivent's passionate volunteers. "It would be my goal to build upon the existing strength of current volunteers and staff as Thrivent grows in its mission to reach out to our communities," she says. The retired vice president and CFO of Sosland Companies, Inc., is also interested in reaching out to members of all ages.
Susayn Brandes
Susayn Brandes
Hometown: Wichita, Kansas
Congregation: Reformation
Brandes serves as president and CEO of Great Plains Ventures, and she's also an active volunteer in her church and community. The longtime Thrivent member is excited about helping other members grow in generosity and get involved. "I've been impressed with the direction Thrivent is taking in helping members do service projects. The Thrivent Action Teams are wonderful; I think this is the start of bigger things," she says.
Vernon J. Henricks
Vernon J. Henricks
Hometown: Manhattan, Kansas
Congregation: University Christian Church
Whether in his role as president and CEO of the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation or in one of his many volunteer capacities around Manhattan and in his congregation, Henricks wants to make a difference. It's a desire he hopes to share with members throughout the region. "I hope to assist with the development of an efficient and effective philanthropic system for Thrivent," he says.
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.

Connect with us

Get in touch with the Kansas & Missouri Region

Find us

12701 Metcalf Ave Ste 104 Overland Park, KS 66213
913-323-1300
KansasandMissouriTMN@thrivent.com