Merit Financial Advisors Announces Leadership Transition
Merit Financial Advisors, an Atlanta-based registered investment advisor managing $33 billion in client assets, announced that Kay Lynn Mayhue will become CEO effective January 1. She succeeds founder Rick Kent, who will transition to the role of executive chairman while remaining active in long-term strategy and firm culture development. Mayhue has been with Merit since 2017 as president and partner, helping grow assets from $2 billion to over $33 billion during her tenure. Zach Mersberger is set to become the new president following his acquisition by Merit four years ago. Kent emphasized Mayhue's leadership qualities and relationship-building skills in selecting her for succession. Merit has been actively acquiring firms with second-generation advisors, having completed 62 deals since a minority stake was taken from Wealth Partners Group in 2019. The firm recently announced the addition of $7.5 billion in new assets through Commonwealth Financial Network advisors.
