Merit | Atlanta Location
Atlanta, GA
750 Hammond Dr NE, Bldg Two
Atlanta, GA 30328-5537
Phone: 678.867.7050
Fax: 678.867.7060
Toll-Free: 1.866.637.6949
Jody Owenby
Senior Managing Partner
Jody Owenby
CFP®
Senior Managing Partner
Jody has been with Financial Development Corporation (FDC), our legacy firm, since 1988. Working with his mentor, Dr. Kay Shirley, Jody helped build FDC into one of the top independent financial services practices in the country, and in March 2012 he purchased the firm. Following in Kay’s footsteps, Jody is recognized by LPL Financial with the LPL Financial Executive Council Award 2013, 2014 (awarded to the top 0.018% of LPL’s registered representatives, based on production) and the LPL Chairman’s Council 2012, 2015, 2016 (awarded to the top 0.056% of LPL registered representatives, based on production).
Each year, he is invited to sit on the American Funds Chairman’s Advisory Council, an honor given to the top 100 registered representatives in the country based on assets under management. As a University of Georgia business school graduate, Jody holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ designation, as well as series 7, 24 and 63 securities registrations though LPL Financial. He is also licensed for life, accident and sickness insurance, as well as variable insurance products. Jody helps guide his clients through every aspect of their financial lives. LPL Financial, a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) and the SIPC, is the largest independent broker/dealer in the nation. (As reported by Financial Planning magazine, June 1996-2016, based on total revenue.) Jody and his wife, Lauren, have been married since 1990, and they have two wonderful sons, Cal and Cade. Having travelled the world earlier in their lives together, they are now focused on enjoying outdoor activities and sports with their boys. Jody is an active volunteer with his sons’ Cub Scout pack and sports teams.
Jim Colbourne
Chief Investment Analyst, Branch Manager
Jim Colbourne
Chief Investment Analyst, Branch Manager
Jim joined Merit in 2015, and has been in the financial services industry for over 20 years. Jim assists our advisor when meeting with clients to provide direction and focus to help pursue their goals. Jim also serves as a key member of the leadership team. He began his career in New York City, managing the Customer Service department and the Margin and Risk department at National Discount Brokers. He returned to Atlanta as a Vice President and manager of branch operations at Smith Barney, where he assisted clients with their financial questions and needs.
Most recently, Jim worked with retirement plan fiduciaries and participants, helping to prepare and steer them to a comfortable retirement. Jim currently holds 7, 9, 10, 24, 63 and 65 securities registrations though LPL Financial. He is also licensed for life, accident and sickness insurance. Jim was raised in Marietta, Ga., and still resides there with his wife Kimberly and their two children, Katie and William. In his spare time, Jim enjoys playing golf, traveling, attending sporting events, and spending time with his family.
Linda Lang
Registered Administrative Associate
Linda Lang
LPL Registered Administrative Associate
Linda joined our team in 2008. Linda’s primary responsibilities include meeting with our clients, providing exceptional client service and she prepares countless correspondence and reports for advisors and clients alike. She often oversees company projects and is a key member of the leadership team. Linda retired from BellSouth after a successful 32 year career with her final role being Director of Network Operations. Linda has a passion for learning and holds a B.A Mathematics, MBA, Masters Certification in Project Management and completed the Certification Professional Education Program (CFP © ).
Linda currently holds 6 and 63 securities registrations though LPL Financial. Linda and her husband Ward enjoy spending their leisure time with their grandchildren and traveling. Linda also finds much pleasure in gardening and is a novice 1st mate alongside Ward on their boat. For better or worse, she is also a Florida Gator fan.
Andrea Hanks
Administrative Associate
Andrea Hanks
Administrative Associate
Andrea joined the company in 1999. She serves as our CRM Administrator, Website Administrator and Office Technology Administrator. In addition, Andrea provides client service and is responsible for: client distributions, beneficiary changes, name changes, document storage and data retrieval.
Andrea Hanks grew up in Auburn, NY, and holds an Associate’s Degree in Telecommunications from Cayuga Community College; Bachelor’s Degree in Communications from Georgia State University and also a Business Technology Certificate from Clayton State University. Andrea has one daughter who is currently in college. Andrea served many years as a volunteer basketball coach. She is a member of her church Bulletin Ministry and volunteers for Our Brother’s Keeper Homeless Ministry. Andrea enjoys sports, travel and family gatherings.
Karen Harmon
Administrative Associate
Karen Harmon
Administrative Associate
Karen Harmon joined Merit in 2005. Karen makes sure that our clients and our team members have everything they need. She oversees our appointment setting and coordinates a myriad of other invaluable functions for our team. She is a 1991 graduate of Gwinnett Technical College, Business Administration. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her 3 daughters.
Patty Lamb
Office Manager/Client Service Representative
Patty Lamb
Office Manager/Client Service Representative
Patty joined the company in 1996. Prior to that, she worked in the banking industry for over 17 years. A native of Atlanta, she graduated with a BA in Political Science from the University of Georgia. Patty serves as the Atlanta office manager and assists with all aspects of client servicing. She is also responsible for processing insurance applications and providing assistance with clients’ insurance policies.
She has served on the board of Buckhead Christian Ministry and is a sustaining member of the Atlanta Junior League. She is an active member of her church and most recently served as Chairman of the Finance Committee. Patty and her husband have 2 children ages 24 and 20. In her spare time she enjoys sports, reading and spending time with friends and family.
Grisel Munive
Administrative Associate
Grisel Munive
Administrative Associate
Grisel Munive joined our team in 2002. She is responsible for working with both new and current clients on account openings, fund transfers and many other account servicing needs. Grisel also provides office management and client hospitality, in addition to working with the firm’s advisors by handling a variety of central administrative functions. She resides in Marietta with her husband, Jose, and their son Anthony. She enjoys spending time with her family.