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 CEO and Founder of Merit and has served as a leader, visionary and entrepreneur in the financial services industry for over 20 years. Based in our Alpharetta headquarters, Rick’s dedication to supporting and inspiring the Merit team through his strong servant leadership style is unparalleled. He is committed to guiding his colleagues on the path to realizing their full potential and works tirelessly to motivate others by his example.
Rick’s passion for creating a positive vision of the future applies also to his valued client relationships. He strives to ensure his clients are well-prepared and well-versed on what it takes to pursue their financial dreams and leave a lasting legacy for those they love the most.
In his role as CEO, he also spearheads Merit’s corporate-wide growth initiatives as well as the development of strategic relationships between the firm, its partners, and leaders from across the financial services industry.
Rick holds many distinguished industry designations to include the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ designation (2002), the Chartered Financial Consultant® designation (2003) and the Accredited Investment Fiduciary® designation (2005). He also holds his Series 7, 24 and 63 registrations through LPL Financial and his Series 65 through Merit Financial Group. In his spare time, Rick enjoys immersing himself in business reading, snow-skiing, hiking and sailing.
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 Engagement Officer
Greg Gerhard
Chief Engagement Officer, Managing Partner
Greg Gerhard is a Chief Engagement Officer and Managing Partner at Merit. He oversees multiple firm initiatives, to include the implementation of organic growth strategies and recruitment efforts, spearheading the firm’s M&A activity and serving as a liaison between the Merit branches, RIA partners, the external community and the Merit Executive Leadership Team, for which he is also a member.
Greg thrives on building significant and synergetic relationships, both within his current practice, as well as with other successful practices, as Merit continues to expand its footprint in the financial services industry. Greg serves as a devoted resource to the 65-member team and works tirelessly to weave a cultural thread through all facets of the firm, making it both a dynamic and diverse atmosphere in which all may succeed and realize their personal and business growth aspirations.
Greg received a Bachelor’s degree from the State University of New York at Oswego and maintains his Series 7 and 63 securities registrations held with LPL Financial and his Series 65 registration held with Merit Financial Group. In his spare time, Greg enjoys spending time with his wife and sons on nature walks, volunteering, coaching and reading. Another fun fact about Greg: he is an accomplished dart thrower!
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.
Brian Johnson
Investment Support Analyst
Brian Johnson
Investment Support Analyst
Brian Johnson 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. He likes to stay active with sports and weekend hikes.
Jennifer Keegan
Compliance Manager
Jennifer Keegan
Compliance Manager
Jennifer Keegan is a Compliance Manager for Merit focusing on testing and implementing our registered investment advisor and broker-dealer compliance programs. She enjoys all things compliance! And the opportunity to work with each advisor and branch office within the firm. Jen received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Southeast Missouri State University and a Master of Arts in Legal Analysis from Webster University. She likes to go golfing, boating and watch St. Louis Cardinal Baseball games with her husband, John and their son Daniel.
Chad Lange
Relationship Manager, Insurance Coordinator
Chad Lange
CFP®
Relationship Manager & Insurance Coordinator
Chad Lange, CFP®, is a Relationship Manager and Insurance Coordinator for Merit assisting the financial advisors to develop and implement financial plans as well as insurance solutions for their clients. Chad enjoys working with the advisors and their clients to create strategies that focus on their financial future. He received a Bachelor's degree in Finance from the University of Georgia. Chad likes to play music, attend sporting events and spend time with his family.
Jenn Leigh
Marketing and Intern Manager
Jenn Leigh
Marketing and Intern Manager
Jenn is the Marketing Manager for Merit focusing on managing marketing for the company and activities within the marketing department. She enjoys developing the marketing strategy for the company that is in line with company objectives. She is in charge of shaping Merit's outward image and developing, implementing and executing strategic marketing plans for the firm. Jenn received her Bachelor's Degree in Marketing with a minor in finance from Georgia Southern University. She likes to spend time with family and friends while exploring new areas in Atlanta, Georgia.
Lauren Webb
Marketing & PR Coordinator
Lauren Webb
Marketing & PR Coordinator
Lauren Webb is the Marketing and PR Coordinator for Merit focusing on increasing the firm’s exposure in the different branch locations as well as across the southeast. She enjoys collaborating with advisors, team members and managers to find and cultivate new opportunities for growth through marketing efforts. Lauren received her Bachelor's degree from Kennesaw State University in Business Marketing. When Lauren is not working she enjoys playing tennis, cooking and spending time with family and friends.
Luann Hay
Executive Assistant
Luann Hay
Executive Assistant
Luann Hay is the Executive Assistant for Merit focusing on supporting Rick Kent and the Executive Leadership team. She enjoys helping the Leadership Team schedule appointments, make travel arrangements and stay organized. Luann received her Bachelors Degree from Illinois State University. Luann likes to travel, bake and spend time with her family.
Nick Moon
Investment Support and Compliance Analyst
Nick Moon
Investment Support and Compliance Analyst
Nick is an Investment Support & Compliance Analyst for Merit focusing on providing portfolio management solutions to advisors as well as supporting firm operations and compliance. He enjoys providing in-depth analysis to aid advisors and the firm. Nick received his bachelor’s degree in financial planning from the University of Georgia. He likes to travel and watch UGA football. Go Dawgs!
Branch Office
David Elder, Jr.
Wealth Manager, Branch Manager, Partner
David Elder, Jr.
CFP®
Wealth Manager, 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
Wealth Manager, Partner
Brad Cast
RFC®
Wealth Manager, Partner
Brad Cast, RFC®, is a Partner and Wealth Manager for Merit in the Botsford Private Wealth division. His main focus is comprehensive financial planning for high net worth executives and individuals in transition (widows, divorcées, retirees, etc.) Brad enjoys spending time with clients while assisting them as they strive to reach their personal financial goals. He received his Bachelor’s degree from Midwestern State University. Brad likes to travel, spend time with his family, fly fish in North Georgia and work on home improvement projects.
Scott Meyer
Wealth Manager, Partner
Scott Meyer
Wealth Manager, 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 wife Cagney and daughters Austin & Clarke.
Brian Martin
Wealth Manager
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
Wealth Manager
Renora Orr
Wealth Manager
Renora Orr is a Wealth Manager for Merit focusing on wealth management solutions to telecommunications employees, parents of children with special needs and women in transition due to divorce. She enjoys helping clients discover ways to pursue their financial goals. Renora has a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting. When not working, she spends most of her time reading and writing her first memoir novel.
Jim Russell, III
Wealth Manager
Jim Russell, III
ChFC
Wealth Manager
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.
Russ Whitehead
Financial Planner
Russ Whitehead
Financial Planner
Russ is a Financial Planner for merit focusing on young professionals that want a reliable source to help them get a strong start in their financial lives. He enjoys helping clients realize their goals. Russ received his master's degree from the University of Georgia. He likes to spend his free time outside fishing, camping or on a boat.
Rebecca Miller
Front Office Administrator
Rebecca Miller
Front Office Administrator
Rebecca Miller is the Front Officer Administrator for Merit focusing on customer service and team member support. She enjoys talking with the clients and learning about their families while helping them feel at home in the office. Rebecca has several years of customer service experience and maintains a positive attitude while making the clients feel welcome. When not at work, she likes to read and go to the beach with friends and family.
Debra Dabney
Senior Client Service Manager
Debra Dabney
Senior Client Service Manager
Debra Dabney is a Senior Client Service Manager for Merit focusing on the customer experience. Customer-focused to ensure that the values and practices of the company align with customer needs and satisfaction. She enjoys establishing new relationships by onboarding clients and assisting with the long term goals in their wealth plan. Debra likes to express her creativity by gardening and painting, she also values and enjoys relaxing with family and friends.
Jooliana Kim
Client Development Manager
Jooliana Kim
Client Development Manager
Jooliana is a Client Development Manager for Merit focusing on developing relationships with existing and prospective clients by facilitating sales and outreach activities. She enjoys helping people who are looking for wealth management strategies and guidance to prepare for retirement with advisors at Merit who can assist them. Jooliana received her Bachelors Degree in Journalism from the University of Georgia. She likes to exercise and socialize with friends and family.
Jennifer C. Mann
Relationship Manager, Insurance Coordinator
Jennifer C. Mann
CFP®, CDFA™
Relationship Manager, Insurance Coordinator
Jennifer Cox Mann, CFP®, CDFA™, is a Relationship Manager and Insurance Coordinator at Merit. She works diligently to help families coordinate, plan and manage of all aspects of their financial world, to include investment and risk management, as well as tax and estate planning. Jennifer currently holds her certified financial planner® and certified divorce financial analyst™ designation. In addition, she manages all operational aspects of the firm’s insurance business and assists the estate planning department with current document reviews and overall estate plan case design. Jennifer also enjoys helping with Merit’s ongoing communication efforts to clients and friends of the firm, to include co-authoring the monthly Merit blog, and assisting the marketing team with content published on Merit’s various social media outlets.
Jennifer is married to Chris, and they are the proud parents of a beautiful daughter, Mallory Stafford Mann. In her spare time, Jennifer enjoys boating, biking, reading, travel and spending time with her family.
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.