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 Engagement 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 Engagement 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 a 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 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 Associate
Jennifer Keegan
Compliance Associate
Jennifer Keegan is a Compliance Associate 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 officer within the firm. Jen received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Southeast Missouri State University and Legal Analysis from Webster University. She likes to go golfing, boating and attends 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.
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.
Wealth Manager, Branch Manager, Partner
David Elder
MS, 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
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.
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
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
Wealth Manager
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
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 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.