Merit Names Kay Lynn Mayhue CEO in Planned 2027 Handoff

Merit Financial Advisors plans to make President Kay Lynn Mayhue its chief executive on January 1, 2027, as founder Rick Kent becomes executive chairman. The Atlanta-based wealth firm oversees about $33 billion in client assets.

The firm announced the leadership changes September 22. Zach Mersberger, a partner and managing principal, will become president on the same date. Kent will remain involved, focusing on long-term strategy, organic growth, culture and leadership development.

Mayhue has been a partner and president since 2017. Wealth Management reported that she helped grow Merit from about $2 billion in assets under management and advisement to its current scale.

The transition follows an acquisition-led expansion. Merit said it had completed more than 62 acquisitions and had over 500 team members across more than 70 offices as of September 12.

That growth has made the handoff more than a change in titles. Mayhue has said the firm wants to attract more advisory businesses, strengthen organic growth and build support as it scales, according to the company’s announcement.

Kent’s move to executive chairman leaves him engaged in the firm rather than fully departing. His stated priorities include strategy and culture, while Mayhue takes responsibility as CEO and Mersberger assumes the presidency.

The next milestone is the January 1 effective date. Investors cannot buy shares in Merit through a public ticker; it is a private advisory firm, so the transition is mainly relevant to clients, employees and the wealth-management industry.