Merit Financial Advisors, a national wealth management firm serving high-net-worth individuals and families, has announced a planned evolution of its executive leadership team designed to support the firm’s continued growth and long-term strategy. Founder and CEO Rick Kent will transition to executive chairman, Kay Lynn Mayhue will become CEO and Zach Mersberger will become president effective Jan. 1, 2027.
The transition builds on a leadership partnership between Kent and Mayhue that dates back to 2017. For nearly a decade, the two have worked closely to shape Merit’s strategy, culture and growth, helping guide the firm through a period of significant expansion and establish it as a leading national wealth management organization.
Mayhue’s appointment as CEO represents a natural next step in that evolution. Having served as a financial adviser and business owner and experienced M&A as both a buyer and seller of advisory firms, she brings a firsthand understa
