Our Team
John F. Howell
For the past 24 years, his primary focus has been educating individuals on how to be financially prepared for both their pre- and post-retirement years. From helping veterans understand and utilize the benefits they’ve earned, to guiding teachers through the options offered by their retirement systems, John has made it his mission to serve. He has met with church groups over early morning breakfasts to answer everyday financial questions — and the list of people he’s helped continues to grow.
John was raised in the piney hills of Southeast Arkansas, in a home rooted in service. His father was a pastor, and his mother served as the county health nurse. From an early age, John witnessed firsthand the value of caring for and serving others. Their example deeply shaped his path in life.
Over the years, John has worked with:
- Youth Court programs to help troubled teens
- The Boy Scouts of America
- Individuals overcoming alcohol and chemical dependency
- Youth groups across North America and Canada
- School assemblies, senior citizens’ events, and high school graduations
- Back-to-school retreats where he entertained and inspired students
Whether teaching, mentoring, speaking, or encouraging, John’s life has been dedicated to caring, helping, serving, and educating people to find joy and fulfillment in life.
John and his wife Patricia, his high school sweetheart, reside in the Little Rock metro area. They enjoy gardening, tending to Patricia’s many flowers and plants, and visiting their four grandchildren in Houston, Texas.
R. Tim Thomas
R. Tim Thomas has spent his life serving others through education, guidance, and encouragement.
For more than two decades, Tim has focused on helping individuals understand how to plan for a secure and confident retirement. His work has included guiding federal employees, veterans, educators, and families through the often-confusing landscape of benefits, financial choices, and retirement options. Tim has a natural ability to take complex topics and make them simple and practical — meeting with people in churches, schools, and community centers to help them find clarity and peace of mind.
A native of Franklinton, Louisiana, Tim was raised in a home that emphasized faith, service, and hard work. Those values deeply shaped his desire to make a difference in the lives of others. Over the years, he has served in a variety of roles — from speaking to men’s groups and teaching financial wellness seminars, to working with young people and serving in community leadership positions.
Wherever he’s called to serve, Tim brings wisdom, warmth, and a deep commitment to helping others live with purpose and preparation.
Tim and his wife Suzi enjoy spending time with their family — including their three children, their spouses, and four beloved grandchildren. In his free time, Tim enjoys fishing, playing golf, and relaxing with his loved ones.
Kara T. Magee
Kara T. Magee is a passionate educator, ministry leader, and lifelong learner who loves bringing history to life. As a 7th and 8th grade Social Studies teacher, Kara finds joy in helping her students connect the past to the present — making history engaging, relevant, and meaningful. Her classroom is a place where curiosity is encouraged, critical thinking is cultivated, and students are inspired to see themselves as part of a bigger story. Kara’s deep love for American history, combined with her talent for integrating technology, makes her a dynamic and innovative educator.
In addition to her work in education, Kara is a devoted pastor’s wife, serving alongside her husband Cory in ministry. Whether leading Bible studies, coordinating church events, or encouraging others behind the scenes, Kara brings compassion, leadership, and a servant’s heart to every aspect of her life.
A mother of two and a proud “techie,” Kara enjoys finding creative ways to blend her love of teaching, technology, and faith. She’s passionate about using digital tools to support both the classroom and the church, and she’s often the one people turn to when they need a solution, a system, or a spark of innovation.
Rooted in her faith and driven by a desire to make a difference, Kara’s life is centered on encouraging, equipping, and educating others — with excellence, enthusiasm, and purpose.
In her free time, Kara enjoys spending time with Cory and their two children, capturing moments through photography, relaxing with a crochet project, exploring new educational technology, and unwinding with a good history book or documentary.