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 of Staff
Greg Gerhard
Chief of Staff | Partner
Greg Gerhard is Chief of Staff and Partner at Merit. He oversees the Integration of newly acquired team members and contributes to the Development of our existing team. Greg’s passion for Culture helps drive Merit’s focus; we believe our Culture is our bedrock and our future! Greg serves as a devoted resource to the ~100 member team and works tirelessly to weave a cultural thread through all facets of the firm. Merit’s goal is to provide a dynamic and diverse Culture in which all team members may succeed and realize their personal and professional growth aspirations! Greg oversees Merit’s industry conference, UNITE as well as its team conference, EPIC.
As an at large member of Merit’s Executive Leadership Team, Greg ultimately contributes to all aspects of the firms initiatives. His passion for building synergistic relationships throughout our industry contributes to the firms overall 3-prong growth strategy; 1. Organic Growth (Niches) 2. the growth and development of our existing RIA Platform Partners 3. Merit’s M&A activity. Greg maintains relationships with many industry firms such as Custodians, Institutional Money Managers, recruiters and peer RIA’s.
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 2 boys on nature hikes, coaching his kids sports teams and reading. Fun Fact: Greg 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 in the financial services industry and with Merit since 2001. Prior to joining the team, she led the accounting department for a computer hardware manufacturer and also ran several businesses for her family. She has a wealth of experience in accounting, payroll/ benefits, compliance, technology, and business management. Her tenure at the firm positions her well as a key resource to all members of the Merit team.
Amelia also works closely with the transition team to onboard advisors to the Merit platform. Some of her unique abilities include finding ways to increase efficiencies and streamlining processes across the firm, as well as having a keen sense for anticipating outcomes to any given situation that others would never be apparent to others.
After living in the city of Atlanta for almost 20 years, Amelia now calls the northern suburb of Milton home with her husband, Bryan, and their two children, Alex and Olivia. With her love for tennis and competitive spirit, she spends her weekends on the courts playing ALTA tennis matches.
David Brounley
Senior Vice President
David Brounley
Senior Vice President
CFP®, ChFC, AIF®, AAMS®, CRPS, CRPC
David oversees new market development, advisor productivity and the integration of new partner firms. His career started with Ameriprise, where he was promoted to National Director of United Kingdom. In that role, he built sales forces from 0 to 400 Financial Planners and 17 offices in three years. He later returned to the United States to support Ameriprise’s domestic integration of technology and field sales utilization. After a long career with Ameriprise, he joined ING as SVP Head of Sales – Retail, Insurance and Advisory Markets, and was integral to the conversion of their field sales into financial planners during his 12 years there.
Because he values being close to the client, working with advisors and pursuing entrepreneurial initiatives, he started an RIA in 2009 with several partners and grew it to $500 million in AUM in three years. He served as both the CCO and an advisor, and was awarded the Five Star Wealth Manager Award in 2012. Later in 2012, he was recruited by LPL Financial to drive a new entrepreneurial initiative around their Worksite Solutions/Financial Wellness offering, which he took to unprecedented levels of success in just three years. He joined Wealth Enhancement Group (WEG) in 2015 to head up their M&A division and helped facilitate 10+ external firm integrations into WEG. David joined Merit in June of 2020 and is looking forward to helping Merit build a national wealth management footprint.
Caleb Tucker
Director of Portfolio Strategy
Caleb Tucker
CFA®
Director of Portfolio Strategy
Caleb Tucker is the Director of Portfolio Strategy for Merit, focusing on investment strategy and research. He enjoys performing market and economic research that helps advisors best meet their client's needs. Caleb received a BBA in Economics with a minor in Spanish from Georgia Southern University. He likes to play tennis, travel, and watch college sports.
Helen Halloran
Compliance Manager
Helen Halloran
Compliance Manager
Helen is a Compliance Manager for Merit, focusing on the regulatory compliance program for the SEC-registered investment adviser. This includes identifying the firm’s operational and compliance gaps, executing a robust testing and monitoring system, and crafting policies and procedures to attempt to mitigate risk within the firm. Helen has a strong work ethic and attention to detail, which is valuable as she works with the firm’s compliance team to manage components of the firm’s program to ensure compliance with all state and federal regulations.
Helen is a fourth-generation native Atlantan and received her Bachelor of Science from the University of Georgia. She has over two decades of experience in the financial services industry and most recently served as Chief Compliance Officer for an SEC-registered investment adviser in Buckhead. When not in the office, Helen enjoys spending time with her family and many pets, reading, exercising, and volunteering in her community and church.
Jennifer Keegan
Vice President of Operations, Compliance Manager
Jennifer Keegan
Vice President of Operations
Jennifer Keegan is the Vice President of Operations and 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.
Joe Guidish
Investment Support Analyst/Trading Assistant
Joe Guidish
Investment Support Analyst/Trading Assistant
Joe Guidish is an Investment Support Analyst/Trading Assistant for Merit, assisting advisors with investment research, portfolio management, and trading operations. Joe enjoys assisting the advisors with investment research that helps clients pursue their financial goals. Joe received his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Economics and Finance from the University of Central Florida. He is currently pursuing his Master of Science in Finance at the University of Miami. Joe likes boating, golf, and traveling.
Martina Chisholm
Vice President of Marketing
Martina Chisholm
Vice President of Marketing
Martina Chisholm is the VP of Marketing for Merit, focusing on the planning, development, and execution of all Merit marketing, branding, and advertising initiatives. Martina enjoys creating a memorable digital and in-person experience for existing and potential clients while interacting with the Merit brand. She received her MBA from The University of Maryland – Global Campus. She likes to travel the world, experience different cultures, spend time with her friends and family, and attend all the concerts and sporting events Atlanta offers.
Nadia Richardson
Marketing Manager
Nadia RIchardson
Marketing Manager
Nadia Richardson is a Marketing Manager for Merit, focusing on strategizing innovative ways to connect with current and potential clients through marketing endeavors. She enjoys working with the marketing team , advisors, and CDM's to attain marketing objectives. Nadia received her Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing from Virginia Tech and her MBA from Point Park University. She loves to travel, watch the Steelers, read, and build puzzles.
Nick Woski
Internal Accountant
Nick Woski
Internal Accountant
Nick Woski is an Internal Accountant for Merit, focusing on maintaining financial record for the firm and providing support to advisors and management. He enjoys helping facilitate a growing company through system and process improvements. Nick received his bachelor’s degree from The University of Alabama. He likes to go to concerts, travel, and hike.
Lauren Webb
Digital Marketing Manager
Lauren Webb
Digital Marketing Manager
Lauren Webb is the Digital Marketing Manager 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!
Samantha Brown
Operations Analyst, Portfolio Management Specialist
Samantha Brown
Operations Analyst and Portfolio Management Specialist
Samantha Brown is an Operations Analyst & Portfolio Management Specialist for Merit, focusing on overseeing the daily operations of the Orion platform. She enjoys maximizing efficiency and utilization across the platform. Samantha received her bachelor’s degree from Creighton University. She likes to travel and try new restaurants.
Shane Seckinger
Financial Paraplanner
Shane Seckinger
Financial Paraplanner
Shane Seckinger is a Financial Paraplanner for Merit, focusing on supporting advisors to facilitate the development and delivery of financial plans accurately and efficiently. He enjoys distilling complex data and information down into simple, usable pieces when assisting the advisors in the creation and improvement of financial plans. Shane received a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from the University of North Georgia. He likes to play golf, volleyball, disc golf, and spend time with his wife and friends.
Sydney Chapman
Marketing Associate
Sydney Chapman
Marketing Associate
Sydney Chapman is a Marketing Associate for Merit, focusing on helping develop the firm's marketing strategies and functions. She enjoys forming strategic ideas to help improve the efficiency of existing processes. Sydney received her Bachelor's Degree in Marketing from Georgia State University. She likes to hang out with her friends, explore Atlanta, and travel.
Tony DiGirolamo
Director of Business Systems
Tony DiGirolamo
Tony DiGirolamo is the Director of Business Systems for Merit, focusing on the day-to-day management, configuration, and improvement of the key technology platforms with Merit. He enjoys building integrations, workflows, and automation that help make Merit's advisors' jobs easier. Tony received his bachelor's degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and his Master's degree from DePaul University. He enjoys spending time watching horror movies with his fiancee, Lauren.
Branch Office
David Elder, Jr.
Wealth Manager, Partner
David Elder, Jr.
CFP®
Wealth Manager, Branch Manager, Partner
David is passionate about helping successful individuals and families make wise financial decisions and lead a life without financial regrets. He accomplishes this using traditional planning strategies combined with techniques from Behavioral Finance and Coaching. 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, daughter Anna Claire, and their dog Scout. 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.
Jim Russell, III
Wealth Manager, Partner
Jim Russell, III
ChFC
Wealth Manager, Partner
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.
Alex Alba
Centralized Service Advisor
Alex Alba
Centralized Service Advisor
Alex Alba is a Centralized Service Advisor for Merit, focusing on serving new & existing clients and growing client relationships. He enjoys building rapport with new & existing clients while providing excellent service and financial solutions to clients. Alex received his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Georgia in Financial Planning. Alex likes to travel with family and friends, cheer on his sports teams, play competitive basketball, and visit his home island of Puerto Rico.
Brian Martin
Wealth Manager
Brian Martin
Wealth Manager
Brian Martin is a Wealth Manager 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 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
Connor Brechbill
Client Service Manager
Connor Brechbill
Connor Brechbill is a Client Service Manager for Merit, focusing on providing exemplary service to all of our clients. He enjoys helping clients to make sure that all their financial needs are taken care of. Conner received a bachelor’s degree from The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina. He likes to travel and play hockey in his free time.
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.
Jennifer C. Mann
Relationship Manager, Financial Planning Coordinator
Jennifer C. Mann
CFP®, CDFA™
Relationship Manager, Financial Planning Coordinator
Jennifer Cox Mann, CFP®, CDFA™, is a Relationship Manager and Financial Planning 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.
Jooliana Krummel
Director of Client Development
Jooliana Krummel
Director of Client Development
Jooliana is a Director of Client Development 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.
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.
Rebecca Miller
Front Office Manager
Rebecca Miller
Front Office Manager
Rebecca Miller is the Front Officer Manager 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.
Renora Nelson
Wealth Manager
Renora Nelson
Wealth Manager
Renora Nelson 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.