Merit Headquarters | Alpharetta, GA
Headquarters
Alpharetta, GA
2400 Lakeview Pkwy, Suite 550
Alpharetta, GA 30009
Phone: 678.867.7050
Fax: 678.867.7060
Toll-Free: 1.866.637.6949
Corporate Office
Rick L. Kent
CEO / Founder
Rick L. Kent
CFP®, ChFC, AIF®
CEO / Founder
Rick Kent is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of leading Super-OSJ firm, Merit Financial Advisors. Based in the Alpharetta headquarters, he oversees all Merit branches and the SEC Registered Investment Advisor Platform, Merit Financial Group, which manages approximately $1.3 billion in Regulatory Assets under Management and $1.28 billion in Brokerage Assets Serviced.
Rick is active in client relations, office mergers and acquisitions, and Worksite Financial Wellness, a turn-key financial wellness solution for the workplace. He is enthusiastic about helping families and individuals pursue their financial goals and objectives. He has an extensive background in estate and financial retirement planning. After more than 20 years of experience in the financial industry, Rick now dedicates his focus to growing his firm’s capabilities.
Rick received a Chartered Financial Consultant’s degree from American College, and has achieved his CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Professional license. He is a member of the Financial Planning Association, where he volunteers his time speaking on various financial topics. Holding the Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF®) designation, Rick places an emphasis on the components of the comprehensive investment process related to fiduciary standards in the financial industry. Rick is a member of the Forbes Finance Council. He has appeared in numerous industry publications such as Forbes, Financial Advisor Magazine, Plan Adviser Magazine, Employee Benefit Adviser, VoyageATL, The 401k Wire, WealthManagement.com Research Magazine, Morningstar Advisor, Horsesmouth, and many more, sharing his practice management ideas with other advisors. Rick has also been ranked as a top advisor on the Financial Times list.
Rick spends his free time enjoying hobbies like snow skiing, hiking, sailing, kayaking and other outdoor activities.
Kay Lynn Mayhue
President
Kay Lynn Mayhue
CFP®, AEP®, RFC®
President, Partner
Kay Lynn Mayhue, CFP®, AEP®, RFC® joined one of our legacy firms in 1998 after graduating cum laude from the University of North Texas with a bachelor’s degree in Financial Planning. As president, she oversees key strategic policies and operations for the company. She leads the firm’s efforts to deliver best-in-class services to clients and oversees the advisor teams. Kay Lynn also helps to ensure the continuity of service for all Botsford Private Wealth clients while partnering closely with Merit's leadership team to align Botsford's industry-leading HNW strategies and experience with financial advisors across the combined Merit organization. Botsford's comprehensive capabilities help to enable Merit to significantly expand its presence in this client segment. Kay Lynn helped to spear head the strategic partnership with Merit Financial Advisors. This opportunity is going to allow both companies to expand in capabilities as well as resources. Kay Lynn was named president of Merit Financial Advisors in 2017
Kay Lynn holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification as well as the Series 7 – General Securities Representative, Series 63 – Uniform Securities Agent, Series 65 –Uniform Investment Advisor registrations, Series 24 – General Securities Principal designation and the Group One Insurance License. Securities registrations are held with LPL Financial.
Kay Lynn is also a part of the Worksite Financial Wellness division, a turn-key financial wellness solution for companies. The belief is that the worksite is the last great hope for educating individuals on healthy financial habits.
Kay Lynn is an active member of the Financial Planning Association and the Atlanta Estate Planning Council. She has been listed among the top 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017 Five Star Wealth Advisors* in Atlanta, GA. Kay Lynn enjoys traveling with her family, running, fine wine and is also an avid reader. She serves at North Point Community Church and sits on the leadership team for the ATL chapter of 4Word.
*Award Based on 10 objective criteria associated with providing quality services to clients such as credentials, experience, and assets under management among other factors. Wealth managers do not pay a fee to be considered or place on the final list of the Five Star Wealth Managers
Greg Gerhard
Chief Internal Strategy Officer
Greg Gerhard
Chief Internal Strategy Officer
Greg brings to the table more than 20 years of experience in all facets of the financial services industry. His robust knowledge and diverse skillset have been applied to both the individual and institutional sides of successful wealth management practices. Currently, Greg works closely with Jody Owenby of Financial Development Systems and Rick Kent of Merit Financial Advisors (MFA), both thriving financial practices headquartered in the greater Atlanta area. At Merit, Greg serves as the Chief Internal Strategy Officer, where he specializes in creating and developing meaningful and symbiotic strategic partnerships between clients, prospects, employees and industry thought leaders. Greg also works closely with Kay Lynn Mayhue, President of Botsford Financial Group, as the three firms entered into partnership in October 2017.
In his role at Merit, Greg also works diligently to help implement and drive the overall organic growth strategy, RIA recruitment and M&A activity. Greg also serves as a devoted resource to the 65-member team; acting as a liaison to the Merit Executive Leadership Team, of which he is also a member.
Greg thrives on building significant and synergistic relationships both within his current practice, as well as with other thriving practices, as Merit continues to expand its footprint in the financial services industry. Keeping in line with his passion for helping others, he is currently studying to become an accredited coach, with the hope of being able to further inspire and assist his team in achieving their utmost potential and maximizing their unique abilities.
Greg currently serves as a board member on The May P. & Francis L. Abreu Charitable Trust (a private family foundation), W. G. Raoul Foundation (a private foundation) and the ToolBank USA Executive Advisory Board. He previously served on many local and national committees and boards for organizations such as the Foundation Center Library, Council of Foundations, Grantmakers for Effective Organizations, World Literacy Initiative, Atlanta Tool Bank, Ronald McDonald House Charities and the Georgia Humanities Council.
Greg and his wife Lauren have two amazing sons, Brady & Colin. They reside in Decatur, GA.
Doug Blanton
CIO & CFO
Doug Blanton
CFA®
CFO & CIO
Doug is responsible for the Investment Management Program at Merit Financial Advisors. With 20+ years of experience in the investment industry, Doug assists financial advisors in developing investment strategies that focus on their client's needs.
Doug is an LPL Registered Administrative Associate who carries a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation and is also a member of the CFA Society of Atlanta.
Doug currently lives in Alpharetta with his wife Amie, and their 2 children, Darby and Avery. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with family, golfing, and tinkering projects at home.
Amelia B. Wood
COO & CCO
Amelia B. Wood
COO & CCO
Amelia has been with Merit Financial Advisors since 2001 and focuses on ensuring that the firm and its advisors comply with SEC and FINRA rules and regulations. She is responsible for providing compliance training, conducting branch exams, coordinating updates to SEC filings, responding to inquiries from regulators and handling licensing and registration. She also oversees the IT, accounting and payroll for the firm.
Amelia obtained her Bachelor of Science in Management from the University of South Florida in Tampa, FL. She lives in Atlanta with her husband, Bryan, their two children, Alex and Olivia, and their dog, Buc. Amelia enjoys playing tennis on the ALTA tennis leagues as well as dancing, skiing (both water and snow) and snowboarding.
Kelly Kurek
Client Relations Manager
Kelly Kurek
Client Relations Manager
Kelly joined the Merit Financial Advisors team in 2013. She is passionate about building strong relationships while maintaining a high quality service to future and existing clients.
Kelly is responsible for establishing communication and identifying a match between the prospective client's needs and our firm's services. She is also a key member of the Worksite Financial Wellness team and is responsible for coordinating logistics and managing materials that market Retirement Partners to the public. She is passionate about her job and continues to grow in her various roles within the firm.
Kelly attended Pennsylvania State University where she earned her BA in Communications and Business Administration. She currently resides in Texas with her husband, Jeff, and enjoys all things outdoors. In her spare time, Kelly enjoys reading, running and keeping her large dog Kacey constantly entertained.
Brian Johnson
Investment Support Analyst
Brian Johnson
Investment Support Analyst
Brian is an investment support analyst for Merit focusing on investment operations and portfolio management. Brian enjoys implementing procedures to simplify the investment process. He received his bachelor’s degree from Oakwood University. When Brian is not in the office he likes to stay active with sports and weekend hikes.
Jennifer Keegan
Compliance Associate
Jennifer Keegan
Compliance Associate
Jennifer joined Merit Financial Advisors in September of 2017 as our Compliance Associate. With nearly 20 years of experience in the financial services industry, Jen will lead the firm’s compliance program.
Prior to joining Merit Financial Advisors, Jen was an RIA consultant and also managed branch offices for broker/dealer registered representatives; her responsibilities wide ranging, including developing client service procedures, keeping the branches compliant, preparing for branch audits and assisting clients with their financial needs.
Jen is a native of St. Louis, Missouri – has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administrations from Southeast Missouri State University and a Masters of Arts in Legal Analysis from Webster University. In her spare time, she enjoys playing golf, boating and watching St. Louis Cardinal Baseball games. She resides in Cumming, GA with her husband, John, their son Daniel and dog, Eddy.
Chad Lange
Relationship Manager
Chad Lange
Relationship Manager
Chad joined our team in 2015. Chad has over 12 years of industry experience under his belt, having worked with such companies as AIM Systems, Inc. and Highland Capital Brokerage prior to joining the Merit in the Botsford Private Wealth division. Chad currently holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER professional designation, as well as the Series 7 – General Securities Representative, and Series 63 Uniform Securities Agent with LPL Financial. In addition, Chad currently holds his Georgia Life, Accident and Sickness and Variable Products licenses. He graduated from the University of Georgia in 2000 with a Bachelor’s degree in Finance.
As a Relationship Manager based in the Alpharetta office, Chad assists with the development of customized financial statements for clients throughout their planning process. This includes the execution of planning strategies and the coordination of efforts from various institutions outside of Merit. He also shares in the ongoing task of communicating with clients, internal operations and the coordination of steps necessary to complete the planning process.
In addition to time spent managing his various client relationships, Chad also assists his colleagues with all facets of client insurance and risk management needs, tax planning strategies and coordination with CPA’s, as well as estate plan design. In his free time, Chad enjoys playing music, basketball and supporting the Georgia Bulldogs. Chad resides in Roswell, GA with his wife, Brooke, and son, Ben.
Jenn Leigh
Marketing and Intern Manager
Jenn Leigh
Marketing and Intern Manager
Jenn comes to the team, with a marketing and PR background. She is focused on brand management, social media and communication strategy. Creating media opportunities, facilitating client outreach, planning seminars and events and working as a project manager on marketing and PR ideas are some of her key responsibilities. Jenn comes to Merit with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Marketing from Georgia Southern University. When she’s not in the office, she is spending time with her family, finding new running trails or exploring Atlanta with her friends.
Lauren Webb
Marketing Assistant
Lauren Webb
Marketing Assistant
Lauren is the marketing assistant and focuses on increasing the firm's exposure in the different branch locations. She collaborate with advisors, team and managers to find and cultivate new opportunities for growth through marketing efforts and events. She received her Bachelor’s degree from Kennesaw State University with a degree in business marketing. When Lauren is not working she spends time with her family and exploring Atlanta with her friends.
Luann Hay
Executive Assistant
Luann Hay
Executive Assistant
Luann is an executive assistant to our CEO and Founder Rick Kent. Her responsibilities are performing office and administrative duties to assist executive management. Screening calls, managing calendars, making travel, meeting and event arrangements. Her previous business experience was as a legislative aide for the state of Illinois.
Luann earned her Bachelor’s degree from Illinois State University and lives in Roswell, GA with her husband Bruce and their daughter Karsyn. When she isn’t watching Karsyn play either volleyball or soccer, she’s trying to visit her other three daughters and sons-in-law across the States. She has a passion for baking, loves to read and loves spending time with their small group through Northpoint Community Church.
Whitney D. Queen
Branch Manager and Vice President of Worksite Financial Wellness
Marketing & Public Relations Manager, Merit
Whitney Queen
Branch Manager and Vice President of Worksite Financial Wellness
Marketing & Public Relations Manager, Merit
Whitney focus on the strategic success of our turn-key financial wellness solution. She works with teams of advisors to coordinate various marking campaigns, public relations efforts, and digital platforms for Merit. With a desire to understand what drives a brand, Whitney has always been fascinated with Marketing. She attending the University of Alabama where she studied Advertising, Psychology, and Computer Science. Whitney later obtained her Masters of Science in International Marketing Management from Boston University. She is a lover of arts, history and travel. She and her husband are members of Northside United Methodist Church.
Nick Moon
Investment Support and Compliance Analyst
Nick Moon
Investment Support and Compliance Analyst
Nick assists with the Investment Management Program, as well as compliance, at Merit Financial Advisors. Some of his key responsibilities include trading for advisory accounts and aiding the financial advisors with investment operations.
Nick graduated from The University of Georgia with a Bachelors in Financial Planning. Before joining Merit Financial Advisors in 2016, Nick served as a Branch Compliance Examiner at an independent broker-dealer.
Branch Office
David Elder, Jr.
Financial Advisor, Branch Manager, Partner
David Elder
MS, CFP®
Financial Advisor, Branch Manager, Partner
David is passionate about helping clients define and most importantly, pursue their goals utilizing realistic expectations and risk management. He holds a Master’s of Science in Personal Financial Planning from Georgia State University as well as a bachelor's degree in Music from Belmont University.
David is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Professional as well as an active member of the Georgia chapter of the Financial Planning Association. He believes it is very important for the financial services industry to give back and therefore he volunteers as a Pro Bono planner helping veterans and low income individuals through the Foundation of Financial Planning.
David lives in Alpharetta with his wife Allison, their son Luke, and their dog Willy. He is a member of Alpharetta United Methodist Church and is excited about the things his Sunday School class is doing to help make their church a stronger faith community. In his free time, David loves to play golf, cook, and listen to music. If you have any tips to lower his handicap, great recipes to share, or albums to suggest, David is all ears.
Brad Cast
Financial Advisor, Partner
Brad Cast
RFC®
Financial Advisor, Partner
Brad Cast is a key component of our Alpharetta branch. He actively manages several high level client relationships while specializing in the areas of liability, estate and financial planning. As part of his role in our Botsford Private Wealth division, Brad is instrumental in creating customized planning reports and illustrations for high net worth executives and retirees.
Prior to one of our legacy firms in 2004, Brad was a Senior Financial Planner with KPMG LLP. In addition to a business degree from Midwestern State University, Brad also holds the Series 7 (General Securities Representative), Series 65 (Uniform Investment Advisor Law), and Series 63 (Uniform Securities Agent) registrations with LPL Financial and is a licensed Life, Accident & Sickness agent in Georgia. Brad is qualified to sit for the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) certification exam, having completed the required qualifying program through The American College. He resides in Dunwoody, GA with his wife, Karen, and daughter, Madeline.
Scott Meyer
Financial Advisor, Partner
Scott Meyer
Financial Advisor, Partner
Scott started his financial planning career at Smith Barney, where he worked with individual wealth management, retirement plans and in the fixed income market. After leaving the large institution, he saw the benefit a boutique firm can offer their clients. The supportive environment, along with best in class service is what attracted Scott to Merit Financial Advisors. Raised in Atlanta, Scott holds a Bachelor degree from Valdosta State University, where he received both golf and academic scholarships.
At Merit Financial Advisors, Scott spends his time advising clients towards the pursuit of their financial goals. From early on in his career, Scott has had passion for helping others set and work towards their financial dreams. “I believe the biggest mistake people make for retirement is the failure to plan for it. That is why we, at Merit, like to work with our clients years before they retire. This personalized approach also allows a trusting relationship to naturally form.”
He is an active board member of the Valdosta State Alumni Chapter. In addition to his passion for the financial planning business, Scott enjoys playing golf, running and spending time with his daughter Austin.
Olivia Keys
Financial Advisor
Olivia Keys
Financial Advisor
Olivia has over four years’ experience in the financial services industry. Olivia graduated from Georgia State University in 2011 with Cum Laude honors. She has her Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance with a minor in Personal Financial Planning.
She is devoted to helping others define their financial goals, determining the actions needed to pursue those goals, and diligently working on putting those actions into place. She enjoys working with individuals and uncovering strategies to help them target their personal goals. It is the relational aspect of financial planning and her desire to educate those on basic financial planning concepts that drives her passion at Merit Financial Advisors.
In her spare time, Olivia enjoys a getting a good sweat on n the weight room, finding ways to make decadent desserts healthy, playing tennis, reading devotionals and books for personal enrichment and spending time with friends and family.
Brian Martin
Financial Advisor
Brian Martin
Financial Advisor
Brian Martin is a Financial Advisor for Merit focusing on providing wealth management and financial planning strategies for clients, including serving corporate employees with respect to their overall benefits plans. Brian enjoys helping clients execute on a defined plan of action that addresses their unique financial objectives, while also structuring investment strategies that are in their best interest.
He received his degree in Business Administration from Auburn University, and is an avid supporter of everything Auburn. Brian is originally from Mobile, Alabama, and now enjoys living in the Johns Creek/Alpharetta area. When Brian is not in the office he likes to play golf when he can, and enjoys trips to the beach and visiting with family in Alabama. Brian loves spending time with his two kids, Hunter and Olivia as much as he can, and has coached youth teams for the last 8 years
Renora Orr
Financial Advisor
Renora Orr
Financial Advisor
Renora Orr began her career with Charles Schwab, Edward Jones, and Allegiance Retirement Solutions before joining Merit Financial Advisors. Renora holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and has over 14 years of experience in the financial industry. Her current licenses are a Series 7, 63, and 24 registrations through LPL Financial and a Series 65 through Merit Financial Group.
She believes in using comprehensive financial planning so that each client can understand and overcome the current trends in retirement planning to help them with their income during the retirement years. Renora enjoys the process and finding the strategies for every client need, in order to pursue their retirement goals.
In her spare time she enjoys reading and writes a blog for parents of children with learning disabilities and autism. She also partners with the non-profit, WIFE.org as a Divorce Workshop Leader where she promotes financial literacy for women going through a divorce. She has been married for 17 years and has an 11-year old son. Renora also serves as an officer for a local chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.
Jim Russell, III
Financial Advisor
Jim Russell, III
ChFC
Financial Advisor
Jim has always been fascinated by the flow of money, economics and geopolitics. Prior to Merit Financial Advisors, he began his financial and estate planning career with the Mixon Baker Agency National Life of Vermont in 1978. After that, he joined the Al Adams Rare Coins firm in 1980 where he became the Vice President of the company. After becoming a registered representative in 1995, he joined Allegiance Advantage Group. He now serves as an advisor for Merit Financial Advisors.
Jim graduated from Stetson University with a Bachelor of Business Administration and is also a Chartered Financial Consultant. His naturally compassionate nature and unwavering dedication to his clients’ well-being and financial independence make him a personal- yet professional touch in the financial industry.
Jim is an avid scuba diver (Dive Master/ Master Scuba Diver) He shoots sporting clays, reads every day, thoroughly enjoys travel, wilderness hiking, the theater, and working out. Jim also has 3 children and 4 very active grandchildren.
Laura Sithens
Client Relationship Manager
Laura Sithens
Client Relationship Manager
Laura is a Client Relationship Manager with Merit Financial Advisors. She is responsible for managing existing client relationships working with experienced advisors and technical specialists in formulating and implementing financial plans. Laura adds value to client relationships through knowledge of detail, thoroughness, accuracy, reliability and client trust.
Laura joined Merit Financial Advisors after 13 years of service with her former employer, Bob Atkinson. She previously oversaw the compliance functions of PFM Capital Holdings. After graduating from Piedmont College with a Business degree and minor in Psychology, Laura began her career in finance in the early days of the E*TRADE boom starting out in the online investment services firm's Atlanta headquarters.
Laura is the proud mother of two and is a member of Stonecreek Church. In her spare time she enjoys playing in several tennis leagues.
Debra A. Jones
Front Office Administrator
Debra A. Jones
Front Office Administrator
Debra has been with Merit Financial Advisors for six years and is responsible for scheduling client and prospective client reviews with the advisors, assisting the advisors in coordinating workshops, client social events and brand management as part of the collective Marketing team at Merit Financial Advisors.
Debra’s willingness to help team members assist clients with pursuing their goals, makes her a valuable resource with over 20 years’ experience in both Customer Service and Administration.
Debra grew up in the Midwest but has been a southerner for over 25 years and resides, with her husband Bill, in Roswell, GA. She enjoys spending time outdoors, reading and chasing after her 5 year old grandson.
Debra Dabney
Senior Client Service Manager
Debra Dabney
Senior Client Service Manager
Debra began her Client Service career with Merit Financial Group in 2002, then Allegiance Advantage Group, has experience in the financial services industry of more than 20 years, including the areas of Quality Control and Risk Management.
Highly focused on exceeding client expectation, Debra possesses keen interpersonal communication and leadership skills to create the ultimate Client Service experience.
Debra spends her time away from the office with family in New York & Atlanta. A huge contemporary Jazz enthusiast, she also enjoys traveling the U.S. by car, working in the garden and reading a good book!
Jooliana Kim
Client Development Manager
Jooliana Kim
Client Development Manager
As a Client Relations Manager for Merit Financial Advisors, Jooliana strategically plans and executes marketing events to build new relationships with prospects, and to nurture existing relationships with current clients.
Jooliana has five years of experience in product and brand marketing as well as three years of experience in digital marketing. Her primary responsibilities at Merit Financial Advisors are to identify prospects, then develop a positive and mutually beneficial relationship between them and Merit’s financial advisors by utilizing marketing resources at educational seminars, workshops and other marketing and promotional events.
Raised in Johns Creek, GA, Jooliana holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Journalism from the University of Georgia, where she received the HOPE Scholarship during her undergraduate studies. During her spare time, she enjoys working for 11Alive’s “Born To Compete” as a Media Correspondent as well as interviewing artists in the music industry at music festivals. She enjoys working out, spending quality time with friends and family. She is an active member in her church, Buckhead Church in Atlanta, GA.
Jennifer C. Mann
Relationship Manager, Insurance Coordinator
Jennifer C. Mann
CFP®, CDFA™
Relationship Manager, Insurance Coordinator
Jennifer joined one of our legacy firms in 2007. Jennifer has over 16 years of industry experience under her belt, having worked with such companies as Smith Barney and Morgan Stanley. Jennifer currently holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and CERTIFIED DIVORCE FINANCIAL ANALYST™ designations, as well as the Series 7 – General Securities Representative, Series 63 – Uniform Securities Agent, and Series 24 – General Securities Principal registrations with LPL Financial. She also holds the Series 65 – Uniform Investment Advisor with Merit. In addition, Jennifer currently holds her Georgia Life, Accident and Health and Variable Products licenses. She graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1999 with a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies and obtained the Duke University Executive Certificate in Certified Financial Planning in 2006.
As a Relationship Manager based in the Alpharetta branch, Jennifer assists with the development of customized financial statements for clients throughout their planning process. This includes the execution of planning strategies and the coordination of efforts from various institutions outside of Merit. She also shares in the ongoing task of communicating with clients, internal operations and the coordination of steps necessary to complete the planning process. In addition to time spent managing her various client relationships, Jennifer also assists her colleagues with all facets of client insurance and risk management needs, tax planning strategies, as well as estate plan design.
Jennifer is married to Chris and together, they are the parents to a beautiful daughter, Mallory Stafford Mann. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, biking, boating and spending time with her family. She is a proud member of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, where she especially enjoys her service on the Vestry and the Altar Guild.
Myoski Billingsley
Client Service Associate
Myoski Billingsley
Client Service Associate
Myoski Billingsley joined Merit Financial Advisors in June 2017, as a Client Service Associate. Prior to Merit Financial Advisors, she began her career in the Higher Education sector. She helped manage student loan cohort default rates with the Georgia Student Finance Commission and Kaplan Higher Education for over 12 years.
Myoski attended Valdosta State University for Organizational Leadership. She also served in the United States Navy as a Personelman.
Myoski spends most of her free time with her 3 year old son Andrew who keeps her very busy with sports. She is also a member of MOMS R US a moms group that focuses on finding balance between motherhood and a professional life.