Our Leadership Team
Merit Financial Advisors is led by nationally recognized and award-winning industry leaders and advisors who share a deep passion for supporting clients in exceeding their financial goals and helping financial advisors evolve and grow their businesses. As a 2024 Barrons Top RIA Firm, 2023 Barrons Top 100 Private Wealth Management Team, and a 2024 - 2022 Forbes Top 100 RIA Firm, our leadership team includes visionaries focused on growth and best-in-class investing and planning solutions for our clients. Meet our exceptional leaders below.
Rick L. Kent
CEO, Founder
Rick L. Kent
CFP®, ChFC, AIF®
CEO, Founder
Rick is an entrepreneur and visionary leader who founded Merit on a servant-leadership philosophy and a commitment to helping individuals reach their financial goals while supporting fellow advisors and entrepreneurs in meeting their professional goals. He has been widely recognized for his contributions to the industry, including being ranked among the Forbes Top 10 Best-in-State Wealth Advisors List in Georgia for 2 consecutive years. Rick has a clear vision for Merit’s growth, designing a program that allows advisors to align with Merit in a number of ways. Rick is well versed in the industry and is striving to change it for the better.
Rick delivers high-energy presentations that challenge audiences to leverage their focus and pay attention to what matters most at work and in life. Audiences appreciate his practical strategies they can apply directly to their business model. Rick offers his insight to business owners, advisors, and executives. Having been a key player in multiple mergers and acquisitions over the past four years, Rick is well versed in the industry and is striving to change it for the better.
Earning many awards for his financial services capabilities, his team, and his vision have further highlighted Rick’s journey towards excellence. This perspective motivated him to coach, develop, inspire, and mentor fellow advisors as they strive to keep up with the everchanging financial services industry. He brings this same dedication to his work with business leaders to empower their teams and achieve greater success. Being a successful entrepreneur, Rick started multiple companies making him a diverse leader willing to share his recipes for success with others.
Kay Lynn Mayhue
President
Kay Lynn Mayhue
CFP®, AEP®, RFC®
President, Partner
Kay Lynn has played many roles in the financial advisory industry: as a successor, partner, seller, and buyer. This unique and diverse background allows her to be able to relate to advisors in all phases of their careers and mergers and acquisitions. With a background in financial planning and leadership, her career expands over several areas, including advising clients, mergers and acquisitions, and strategic growth.
Kay Lynn worked her way up from an entry-level position to earn her seat at the C-Suites table as President of Merit, which manages $11.84 billion in RIA and Brokerage assets under management. She holds her CFP®, AEP®, and RFC® and has been a critical decision-maker for two firms over the past twenty years. Kay Lynn has overseen multiple mergers and acquisitions over the past four years and has been recognized for her position as a female leader in the financial services industry.
She is passionate about helping people take their careers – and themselves – to exceptional levels. Kay Lynn’s influence in the industry and her drive for success is a driving factor in Merit's ongoing growth and appeal to growth-oriented advisors.
Most recent awards won:
- Top Women Wealth Advisors Best-in-State 2024 and 2023 - Forbes/SHOOK
- Best-in-State Advisors 2024 and 2023 - Forbes/SHOOK
- M&A Leader of the Year 2023 - WealthManagement.com
- Trailblazer of the Year 2023 - InvestmentNews
- Executive Team of the Year 2023 - ThinkAdvisor Luminaries
- Top 100 Advisors to Watch $1B+ 2023 - AdvisorHub
Mike Mitchell
Chief Financial Officer
Mike Mitchell
Chief Financial Officer
Mike's professional background includes over 30 years of experience in corporate finance and operations, mainly within the financial services industry. During his career, he's held progressive leadership positions with Fortune 500 firms, including Toyota, Wachovia Bank, and AT&T, as well as small to medium-sized growth companies. His focus is centered on revenue growth, expense management, margin expansion and boosting bottom-line profitability.
Chrissy Lee
Chief Operating Officer
Chrissy Lee
Chief Operating Officer
Chrissy serves as our Chief Operating Officer at Merit. Chrissy has over 15+ years of experience in the Wealth Management and Broker Dealer channel, having started her career in Operations and eventually rising to the role of COO and President at her previous firm. She previously served as a board member for IPA, served on the Advisory Council of Docupace, a technology provider for wealth management firms, created the Women Advisor Network, and served as a committee member for the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion task force.
At Merit, Chrissy is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the firm, working within the executive leadership team and each department within the organization to create efficiencies and streamline the client service experience. She is also responsible for operational strategy, driving strategic growth through mergers and acquisitions, and overseeing the onboarding process, business development, and technology implementations to create a best-in-class experience for the Merit community.
As a member of Merit’s Executive Leadership Team and Senior Leadership Team, Chrissy’s goal is to create a bridge between firm initiatives and working with the entire Merit team to bring open communication, forum to gather new ideas to make the client experience evergreen, to empower every team member to make decisions and help to execute goals together. This aligns with Merit’s belief that servant leadership comes above all else.
Chrissy enjoys spending time with her husband of 25+ years and their grown children. She loves reading classic literature, going to Disney, and watching classic movies. She has a heart for helping underprivileged families and considers this a life- long stewardship.
Martina Chisholm
VP 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.
Brian Andrew
Chief Investment Officer
Brian Andrew
Chief Investment Officer | Executive Vice President
Brian Andrew, CFA®, Chief Investment Officer, focuses on managing Merit’s investment strategy and team to provide investment solutions for advisors and their clients. Brian enjoys understanding the economy and markets and helping advisors build investment strategies for their clients. Brian received his B.S. in Finance from the University of Minnesota and completed the CFA®/Harvard Investment Management Program. Brian likes to travel with family, ski, and enjoy motorcycle travel.
Jennifer Keegan
VP of Operations
Jennifer Keegan
Vice President of Operations
Jennifer Keegan is the Vice President of Operations 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.
Zach Kohlman
Director of Employee Experience
Zach Kohlman
Director of Employee Experience
Zach Kohlman is our Director of Employee Experience. He focuses on developing and delivering innovative, efficient, and cost-effective human resource programs, policies, and services designed to support the firm's mission. He enjoys initiating collaborative efforts that will help us succeed by increasing individual and institutional effectiveness and by earning the respect and trust of those who support us and do business with us.
Zach served for 20 years on active duty in the greatest naval force this world has ever seen, the U.S. Navy. With a specialty in human resources on active duty, he has taken his unique military experience and proven leadership to forge a unique human resources philosophy. He received his Bachelor’s Degree in History and his Master’s Degree in Contemporary World History and Politics, both from Excelsior College. He enjoys photography, astronomy, and reading about history.
Matt Wilson
VP Corporate Systems
Amelia B. Wood
Chief Transitions Officer, Partner
Amelia B. Wood
Chief Transitions Officer | Partner
Amelia brings over 20 years of experience in the financial services space, entirely of service to Merit. As the Chief Transitions Officer, she works with the transition team to onboard acquired and independent advisor partner firms to the Merit platform. With her extensive experience in serving the Merit team and specific expertise in accounting, payroll/benefits, compliance, technology, and business management, Amelia is a key resource in the transition process.
Amelia received a bachelor’s degree in Business Management from the University of South Florida in Tampa and maintains her Series 7, 24 and 63 securities registrations with LPL Financial. 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. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, playing tennis, traveling, and watching her kids play sports.
Doug Baxley
Chief Compliance Officer
Doug Baxley
CFP®
Chief Compliance Officer
Doug Baxley is an accomplished executive leader with over twenty years of experience in the registered investment adviser and broker-dealer industry. Doug currently serves as Chief Compliance Officer of Merit Financial Advisors. Most recently, Doug served as Senior Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer of Silver Oak Securities, a dually registered RIA and B/D. Prior to this, from 2021 to 2023, Doug served as First Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer at Cambridge Investment Research Advisors, from 2017 to 2019, Doug was Vice President of Retirement and Fiduciary Services at Ladenburg Thalmann Financial Services and, from 2006 to 2016, Vice President and chief compliance officer of SSN Advisory. Doug began his financial services career as an advisor with American Express Financial Advisors. Doug is a Certified Regulatory and Compliance Professional; Certified Financial Planner, insurance licensed for life, health, and variable contracts; and holds the FINRA Series 4, 7, 24, 27, 63, and 65 licenses.
Kelly Gallimore
Culture Officer
Kelly Gallimore
ChFC®, CES®
Wealth Manager, Culture Officer
Understanding that Wealth Management is about more than numbers, Kelly also focuses on the primary component: the why behind the process. A student of Behavioral Finance, she uses various tools to enhance clients' understanding of their financial views and how their innate strengths and struggles can influence their decision making and ultimate success in reaching their goals. Her desire is to walk alongside them, bridging the gap between actions and emotions.
Believing that every woman – especially those in transition - should have access to education in the area of personal finance, Kelly co-founded a non-profit organization dedicated to that purpose. She has acted as a financial consultant for CBF/Lilly Foundation grant recipients and has served on the Board of Directors of Grace Ministries International.
Before joining Merit, Kelly was a founding member of Consilium Financial Group, and served as a Financial Planning Associate at Ronald Blue & Co., where she obtained her Series 65 license. She has also earned her Certified Estate and Trust Specialist®, Chartered Financial Consultant®, and Certified Wealth Mentor® designations. Additionally, she spent several years in the banking industry; and worked at Arthur Andersen in Human Resources and Team Management.
In addition to books and art museums, Kelly enjoys hiking, golf, and Braves baseball. She and her husband, Brad, have two married sons, three grandsons, and a beagle. They live in Cobb County, Georgia.
Tait Lane
Regional Director, Partner
Tait Lane
Regional Director, Partner
As a Wealth Manager, Tait believes that with financial planning comes clarity. By taking a holistic approach to his client’s finances, he’s able to better advise and serve them. Tait’s desire to be a fiduciary advisor continues to be his primary focus so that he and the team can serve our clients in the manner that they desire and need.
Tait is a graduate of Seattle Pacific University and serves on multiple boards locally for non-profits and within his local church. He’s passionate about his community and contributing to the area where he lives and works. Married to Sunday and a father of five, Tait enjoys skiing, hiking, spending time with his family in their RV, and experiencing the outstanding opportunities the PNW has to offer.
Zach Mersberger
Regional Director, Branch Operations Manager, Partner
Zach Mersberger
CFA, AIF, CRPC
Regional Director, Branch Operations Manager, Partner
Zach Mersberger is a Regional Director who advises high-net-worth clients as their chosen advisor to help them design and pursue their personal and retirement goals. Zach works diligently with clients on estate and tax planning, as this area of planning is often overlooked and is critical to the overall success of individuals' personalized financial plans. Zach also specializes in helping business owners plan for their financial futures.
As a CFA® charterholder, Zach has a high degree of expertise in portfolio management and in helping design portfolio strategies to help clients pursue a broad array of financial goals.
Zach is a member of the firm’s executive committee in the Wisconsin branch location. Zach plays an integral role in setting the firm’s strategic direction and overseeing the daily operations.
Zach and his wife Casie reside in Sheboygan with their puppy Howie. In his free time, Zach enjoys time with family and friends and is an active outdoor enthusiast. Zach’s hobbies and interests include traveling, hunting, fishing, running/exercising, skiing, snowshoeing, waterskiing, snowmobiling, golfing, swimming, hiking, and attending live music events.
Zach Mersberger is solely an investment advisor representative of Merit Financial Advisors, and not affiliated with LPL Financial.
Andy Lubben
Regional Director, Partner
Andy Lubben
CFP®
Regional Director | Partner
As a Certified Financial Planner® professional, Andrew specializes in investment management, retirement planning, and estate planning. His area of expertise is comprehensive financial planning.
Before joining Merit, Andrew was a was a founding member of Consilium Financial Group, and Senior Private Wealth Advisor with Ronald Blue & Co., where he also held the Manager of Investment Operations position. He worked as a project/process manager for Portal Technologies, providing information systems consulting to Fortune 500 clients. He earned his BA from the College of Charleston in South Carolina.
Andrew and his wife, Louise, live in Atlanta, Georgia, and have four children.
John Cote
Chief Growth Officer
John Cote
Chief Growth Officer
John Cote brings nearly three decades of experience in Wealth Management to his role. With a diverse background spanning from advisory to leadership positions, he has navigated various levels of the industry's leadership hierarchy. Beginning his career at Morgan Stanley, John honed his skills in multiple advisory and leadership capacities before transitioning to ETRADE, where he served as an executive overseeing the Eastern Division sales leadership team.
In his most recent tenure at Wealth Enhancement Group, John's impact was transformative. He spearheaded the development and management of their most successful referral and business development programs, demonstrating his strategic acumen and innovative approach. Moreover, his contributions extended to building the firm's National Recruiting efforts and collaborating closely with the Mergers and Acquisitions Team.
Hailing originally from Wisconsin, John now calls Florida home, where he resides with his wife and treasures moments with their three grown children. Beyond his professional pursuits, John finds solace in fishing and travel, while channeling his compassion towards rescue animals, showcasing his kind-hearted nature and commitment to making a difference beyond the boardroom.
Tony DiGirolamo
VP of Technology
Tony DiGirolamo
VP of Technology
Tony DiGirolamo is the VP of Technology 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 wife, Lauren, and daughter, Stassi.
Tyler Vernon
Regional Director, Partner
Tyler Vernon
CBEC®
Regional Director, Partner
Tyler Vernon was the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Biltmore Capital Advisors and now the Regional Director of the Florida Region for Merit Financial Advisors. He began Biltmore Capital Advisors in 2007 after a distinguished career on Wall Street. He is a member of the investment committee of the firm which holds responsibility for global investment strategy and portfolio allocations. While at Biltmore, Vernon had eyes toward the future was responsible for the longer-term vision of the firm and the strategy as it relates to the client experience.
Key Accomplishments
Vernon’s market and investment commentary have appeared in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Forbes, CNN Money, Seeking Alpha, Palm Beach Post, and Dow Jones Newswire. In addition to these publications, Vernon and his firm have the distinction of being showcased in the cover story of SFBW (South Florida Business and Wealth) Magazine in late 2017. He is also a multi-year winner of the top Five Star Wealth Advisors in New Jersey* and has been interviewed by FOX Business News, Bloomberg, and CNBC, as well as local broadcasts.
Education and Beginnings
A graduate of Lafayette College with a BA in Economics and Business and an emphasis in financial markets, Vernon has attended advanced professional courses at The Wharton School of Business. Previously, he worked for Merrill Lynch at its world headquarters in New York City. In his twenties, he had the distinction of being named one of the Vice Presidents at Merrill Lynch.
Non-Profit Community Support
Vernon has dedicated a portion of the firm's profits to support the non-profit community. He started a non-profit, The Rum Cay Foundation, with a mission to help enhance the quality of education, health, and overall welfare of the local residents of Rum Cay, an impoverished island in the southeast Bahamas where he vacationed as a child and continues to support.
*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 placed on the final list of Five Star Wealth Managers.
Jooliana Krummel
Director of Strategic Partnerships
Jooliana Krummel
Director of Strategic Partnerships
Jooliana is the Director of Strategic Partnerships for Merit. She focuses on identifying and building strategic alliances with advisory businesses looking to partner with Merit Financial Advisors to forge lasting relationships that will mutually benefit and create pathways for growth for all parties. She embraces a mindset of exploration, constantly seeking new avenues and creative approaches to drive transformative partnerships. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Music Business from the University of Georgia. She likes to visit new restaurants, travel to new countries, and spend quality time with her friends and husband, Brandon.
Margarite Lynch
Chief Administrative Officer
Margarite Lynch
Chief Administrative Officer
Margarite serves as the Chief Administrative Officer for Merit Financial. Her role as CAO has her involved in the day to day operations of the firm, working alongside many of Merit’s departments both on a regional level and on the corporate team. Margarite previously spent 15 years in Client Service, working with clients in the Charlotte, NC office.
Margarite holds the FPQP (Financial Paraplanner Qualified Professional), and is Series 6, Series 63, and Series 65 licensed. In her spare time, she enjoys being outside, running trails, hiking, and kayaking.
Resources
We’re here to guide you in enhancing and protecting your wealth. Through innovation, we leverage the right tools, resources, and solutions to best serve you. With a wide range of resources focused on financial education and tips, powered by leading-edge technology and cybersecurity, and a robust website with calculators and market updates, we can help you gain further insight into your financial plan.
