Get to know our leadership team

Leadership at the Springfield office is dedicated to doing good for our clients, employees and community.

Photo of Managing Director D. Patrick Scheina

D. Patrick Scheina

CLU®

Managing Director

Patrick's core belief about the service he provides to his clients is: “Begin with an end in mind. Financial security is about the plan, not one particular product. Risk management is the foundation of all sound financial plans. Seek to understand before being understood.” He also enjoys his role as Recruiting Field Director and coaching and mentoring new Financial Representatives. His goal for the Springfield District Agency is to continue to develop the office into a full financial planning firm and continue to grow our team.
Photo of Director of Finance Maralee Willis

Maralee Willis

Director of Finance

Maralee joined our team in May of 2006. She began her career with Northwestern Mutual as an Associate Financial Representative for one financial representative. Maralee stepped into the role of Director of Finance in 2011. She is an asset to our team as she coordinates all financial matters for our district office and financial representatives, helping to ensure thorough communication and promote wise use of funds. Maralee and her husband, Tyler, live near Greenview, Illinois and have two daughters and a son, Macie, Mollie and Luke. She enjoys working with Tyler on their family farm. Maralee holds a Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Business. She sits on the board of directors for the Menard County Farm Bureau, is the President of the Greenview PTO, 4-H Leader for the Greenview Boosters 4-H Club, and a member of the Heartland FFA Alumni.
Photo of Director of Operations Audra Johnson

Audra Johnson

CLF®

Director of Operations

Audra joined our team in March of 2011. Audra provides our behind-the-scenes support and makes our entire office run smoothly. She is the go-to for all staff administration and support of team processes. Audra is life and health insurance licensed along with being securities registered. She has also obtained a Chartered Leadership Fellow (CLF®) designation! Audra is very active in her church, serving in congregational care, benevolence, and counseling. She is also a published author of youth devotionals and poetry. Audra holds a Bachelor degree in Communication Arts from Hannibal-LaGrange University. She also holds a Master of Divinity in Professional Chaplaincy, w/a Graduate Certificate in Pastoral Counseling and serves as a part-time hospice chaplain.
Photo of Growth and Development Director Eli Cook

Eli Cook

Growth and Development Director

Eli began his career with Northwestern Mutual in November of 2014 as a College Financial Representative as a freshman in college. He served as the College Team Captain in 2016 and 2017. In December of 2017, he graduated from the University of Illinois-Springfield with a degree in Accounting. Shortly after, he converted his internship contract to a full-time Financial Representative contract.
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Faye Bergschneider

New Business Coordinator

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