Age: 30
Occupation: Financial adviser, growth and development director
Email: eli.cook@nm.com
Education: Bachelor of Accounting, University of Illinois Springfield
Family: Wife, Lindsay; mom, Leeann; dad, Jay; sister, Caley
Affiliations/community activities:
Rotary; UIS Professional Network; life member, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation; member, Backcountry Hunters and Anglers
What is your guiding principle in life?
I often ask myself, “Will this matter to me and my family in five years?” It helps me stay focused on what truly creates lasting impact both personally and professionally.
What led you to your career?
I began at Northwestern Mutual as an intern at 18 and over the past decade have grown into a leadership role focused on developing advisers and helping families and businesses achieve long-term financial security.
What is your greatest hope for Springfield?
I hope talented and driven individuals continue to invest their careers and energy into Springfield, strengthening the community for future generations.
What has been your greatest professional achievement?
In 2025, I was recognized as the No. 2 growth and development director in the country, reflecting my commitment to developing others and building a high-performing team.
Has any one event of the past year affected you and how?
Co-founding Impact Financial Group with three partners has been transformational. By combining our practices, we’ve expanded how we serve clients, particularly across generations, and deepened our role in their financial lives.
What’s the song you sing in the shower?
“Take Me Home, Country Roads” and anything by Ella Langley
This article appears in July SBJ 2026.