Merit | Sandy Springs Location
Sandy Springs, 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
Jim Colbourne
Chief Investment Analyst
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.
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 a 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.
Lizzie Buttram
Relationship Manager
Lizzie Buttram
Relationship Manager
Lizzie began her financial services career at Merrill Lynch in 2013 as a Client Relationship Manager, after an eight year career in Marketing and Advertising. She enjoys helping clients navigate their financial priorities through financial planning and wealth management. Lizzie understands the importance of providing superior client service, while focusing on the best interest of our clients.
Lizzie grew up in Opelika, Alabama and received her degree from the University of Alabama. She and her husband enjoy traveling, spending time with family and college football.
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.
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.
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.