Merit Financial Advisors Welcomes Heather Zack as New Executive Vice President to Enhance Wealth Management Services

Heather Zack Joins Merit Financial Advisors

New Leadership Arrival
Merit Financial Advisors, a prominent financial advisory firm based in Georgia, has announced a significant addition to its leadership team. Heather Zack has been appointed as Executive Vice President and Head of Private Wealth, effective from November 2, 2026. This newly created position aims to enhance the firm's capabilities in serving high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth clients while fostering organic growth opportunities.

Zack's Mission
In her role, Heather Zack is set to lead the development of an expansive private wealth service offering. This initiative will empower advisors with specialized knowledge, essential resources, and strategic partnerships required to meet the diverse and complex needs of affluent individuals and families. Her appointment underscores Merit's commitment to investing in specialized leadership and infrastructure as it broadens its national reach and endeavors to support its advisors in growing their practices organically, a strategy that has already contributed to the firm's substantial growth.

Firm's Growth Trajectory
Merit has witnessed impressive expansion, managing over $32.92 billion in assets across more than 70 offices throughout the U.S. It has completed 63 acquisitions, solidifying its place in the wealth management industry as a leader in growth. The firm is continuously looking for ways to enhance its financial planning and wealth management capabilities to better suit the evolving market landscape.

Zack's Expertise
Prior to joining Merit, Zack held significant roles in private client services at Carson and Commonwealth Financial Network, accumulating vast experience in creating high-net-worth solutions and developing necessary infrastructure to support ultra-high-net-worth services. Her multifaceted background as an attorney specializing in advanced financial planning, estate strategies, and philanthropic planning positions her uniquely to guide Merit's ambitious private wealth initiative.

Advisor Support and Strategic Partnerships
Central to Zack's initiative will be the establishment of strategic partnerships with external specialists and service providers to address the financial and personal needs of affluent clients. This encompasses a wide range of services including trust and estate planning, private banking, philanthropic advisory, and comprehensive family office solutions that transcend traditional investment management.

Zack’s approach will also involve building a framework enabling advisors to cater to clients with varying levels of wealth and complexity. This means focusing on business owners preparing for liquidity events, executives managing significant wealth transitions, and multigenerational families seeking comprehensive planning solutions.

Advisory Relationships
Heather Zack commented, “Advisors often have relationships with individuals and families that present immense growth opportunities, but they may lack access to specialized resources to fully address these needs. My aim is to create a robust private wealth offering that equips Merit advisors with the expertise, alliances, and support necessary for success in the ultra-high-net-worth space.” She added that combining existing relationships with a broader suite of specialized services will be vital for driving organic growth and delivering an exceptional client experience.

Looking Ahead
One of Zack's first initiatives will be engaging closely with Merit advisors to assess existing opportunities, identify service gaps, and foster connections with specialized providers. Through her experience with organizations like the Ultra High Net Worth Institute, she intends to evaluate the necessary service landscape for sophisticated families and expand Merit's offerings accordingly.

Zack expressed her excitement over the firm's vision and growth trajectory, stating, “Merit has experienced phenomenal growth, and what drew me here is the ambition to create something truly unique. I have worked with several Merit advisors in my career and have great respect for their commitment to providing exceptional service to their clients. Collaborating with them to build a private wealth platform that meets their needs is an exciting opportunity.”

Conclusion
Zack's appointment marks a strategic investment in leadership aimed at enhancing Merit's capabilities and providing specialized support for its advisory network. Her expertise will be crucial as the firm emphasizes its commitment to strengthening the advisor experience, improving planning capabilities, and investing in infrastructure for sustainable growth through both organic means and acquisitions. Heather Zack will report directly to Alex Hansen, the Chief Advisor Success Officer, and will operate primarily out of the Boston area.

For more information about Merit Financial Advisors, visit www.meritfinancialadvisors.com.