#USA #Atlanta #Merit Financial #David Wahlen #Strategic Partnerships

Merit Financial Advisors Expands Leadership Team with David Wahlen

Merit Financial Advisors, one of the rapidly growing Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs) in the United States, has recently appointed David Wahlen as Vice President of Strategic Partnerships. This new position signifies Merit’s commitment to expanding its executive leadership, particularly in the realms of mergers and acquisitions (MA).

A Vision for Growth

In his role, Wahlen will serve as the key connection for all MA partnerships and will be instrumental in sourcing new deals while fostering relations with investment bankers and strategic allies. He will collaborate closely with Merit’s CEO, Rick Kent, and President, Kay Lynn Mayhue, to streamline the onboarding experience for acquired firms. Wahlen’s philosophy of servant leadership and emphasis on collaboration echoes the core values of Merit, further aligning him with the company's vision.

Rick Kent expressed enthusiasm for Wahlen's deep industry insight, stating, "As Merit continues to grow and evolve its offering, we are investing in our people to propel the firm to the next level. David's deep industry knowledge and collaborative approach will be invaluable as we further expand our MA efforts."

Experience that Counts

David Wahlen brings a wealth of experience to his new position, having previously served as Director of Strategic Growth at CAPTRUST. During his impressive tenure at CAPTRUST, he was involved in over 50 MA transactions. This experience was pivotal in helping the firm scale its Assets Under Management (AUM) from $5 billion to an astounding $80 billion between 2018 and 2024. Wahlen’s understanding of wealth management platforms positions him perfectly to make an immediate impact at Merit.

Regarding his appointment, Wahlen stated, "Merit’s culture and mission resonate strongly with me. I am excited to bring my experience and network to a firm that is poised for significant growth and to contribute to building the RIA of the future."

Strengthening the C-Suite

The establishment of Wahlen’s position is a strategic move to support Merit’s sustained growth trajectory. The firm has made significant additions to its executive team in the past year, hiring individuals with extensive experience in various sectors of financial services. Notable hires include:

• - Samantha Allen as Executive Vice President of Marketing, who has a background with The Carson Group.
• - Brian Andrew, the new Chief Investment Officer, previously with Johnson Investment Counsel.
• - Doug Baxley, who takes on the role of Chief Compliance Officer, formerly at Silver Oak Securities.
• - John Cote, who joins as Chief Growth Officer, with his past experience at Wealth Enhancement Group.
• - Brian Greene, new Managing Operating Principal, previously affiliated with The Carson Group.

Kay Lynn Mayhue emphasized the importance of effective leadership, stating, "We know how crucial it is to have the right people in the right roles to help our firm and our advisors thrive. That's why we have made a dedicated effort to institutionalize and professionalize our leadership team. David's appointment further underscores our commitment to building a firm centered on relationships and collaboration."

A Proven Track Record

Established in 1998, Merit Financial Advisors has successfully partnered with more than 40 firms, significantly enhancing its client asset pool, which exceeds $10 billion. The firm’s recent notable acquisitions span from 2021 to 2024, including:

• - Consilium Financial Group in 2021, valued at $291 million from Roswell, GA.
• - Mersberger Financial Group, acquired in 2022 for $1.3 billion from Sheboygan Falls, WI.
• - ClearBridge Wealth Management, incorporated in 2023 for $300 million, based in Atlanta, GA.
• - Several other strategic partnerships that continue to bolster the firm's market presence.

Merit's operational framework offers partner firms comprehensive support, including compliance services, HR support, financial reporting, and operational scalability, ultimately enriching both client and advisor experiences.

Commitment to Client Service

Merit Financial Advisors, awarded the 2024 InvestmentNews RIA Firm of the Year, stands as a recognized leader in the financial services landscape. The firm's mission is to revolutionize the wealth management industry by creating a community that emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and exemplary service.

For further details, visit www.meritfinancialadvisors.com.

Investment advice is offered through Merit Financial Group, LLC, a registered investment adviser.