Merit Financial Advisors Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

Merit Financial Advisors has 7 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, technology, administration, and investment management.

Committed to comprehensive wealth management, Merit Financial Advisors delivers tailored financial planning and tax-related strategies to help clients navigate complex life transitions with confidence and long-term security.

Leadership Roles at Merit Financial Advisors

  • Founder & Chief Executive Officer - Rick Kent
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Brett Robison
  • Chief Operating Officer - Chrissy Lee
  • President & Partner - Kay Mayhue
  • President & Chief Investment Officer - Tony Riggs
  • Chief Technology Officer - John Rajes
  • Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) - Margarite Lynch
  • Rick Kent - Founder & Chief Executive Officer

    Rick Kent, the Founder & Chief Executive Officer at Merit Financial Advisors, directs the overarching vision and long-term strategic trajectory of the firm. By prioritizing client-centric wealth management, Kent shapes the organizational culture to focus on navigating major life transitions such as retirement and career changes. The Founder & Chief Executive Officer maintains rigorous oversight of the firm's expansion across the United States, ensuring that financial planning services remain accessible and effective for diverse client needs. Through constant collaboration with the executive leadership team, Rick Kent drives the development of innovative insurance planning and tax-related strategies. This leadership role involves fostering a culture of excellence that empowers advisors to deliver high-quality financial solutions. Ultimately, Kent secures the firm's market position by aligning internal resources with the evolving demands of the wealth management industry, ensuring sustainable growth and consistent value creation for all stakeholders.
    Rick Kent

    Brett Robison - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Brett Robison, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Merit Financial Advisors, executes the daily operational mandates and strategic initiatives that define the firm's market presence. Overseeing the integration of financial planning and wealth management services, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures that business solutions meet the specific requirements of individual and corporate clients. Robison manages the alignment of regional operations to maintain high standards of service delivery across the United States. By optimizing internal processes, Brett Robison directly impacts the efficiency of the firm's advisory teams. This leadership role involves constant monitoring of performance metrics to ensure that the firm achieves its growth objectives while maintaining compliance with industry regulations. Through strategic decision-making, Robison strengthens the firm's reputation as a leader in helping clients navigate complex life transitions, thereby securing long-term stability and competitive advantage in the financial services sector.
    Brett Robison

    Chrissy Lee - Chief Operating Officer

    Chrissy Lee, the Chief Operating Officer at Merit Financial Advisors, manages the internal infrastructure and operational workflows that support the firm's wealth management services. By streamlining administrative processes and resource allocation, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that advisory teams possess the necessary tools to assist clients through major life transitions. Lee directs the implementation of scalable systems that enhance service delivery across the firm's national footprint. This leadership role involves coordinating cross-departmental efforts to improve operational efficiency and client satisfaction. Chrissy Lee monitors key performance indicators to identify opportunities for process optimization, ensuring that the firm remains agile in a competitive financial landscape. Through rigorous management of daily operations, Lee supports the firm's mission to provide comprehensive financial solutions. Ultimately, the Chief Operating Officer maintains the operational integrity required to sustain the firm's growth and commitment to excellence in financial planning and insurance strategies.
    Chrissy Lee

    Kay Mayhue - President & Partner

    Kay Mayhue, the President & Partner at Merit Financial Advisors, drives the firm's strategic partnerships and client engagement initiatives. By focusing on the expansion of wealth management services, the President & Partner ensures that the firm effectively addresses the needs of individuals and businesses during major life transitions. Mayhue oversees the development of specialized financial solutions, including insurance planning and tax-related strategies, to provide holistic support to clients. This leadership role involves cultivating relationships with key stakeholders and ensuring that the firm's advisory services remain aligned with market trends. Kay Mayhue monitors the quality of client interactions to maintain the firm's reputation for excellence and personalized care. Through active participation in strategic planning, Mayhue contributes to the firm's growth and long-term success. Ultimately, the President & Partner secures the firm's position as a trusted advisor by fostering a culture of professional integrity and commitment to client-focused financial outcomes.
    Kay Mayhue

    Tony Riggs - President & Chief Investment Officer

    Tony Riggs, the President & Chief Investment Officer at Merit Financial Advisors, directs the firm's investment philosophy and portfolio management strategies. By analyzing market trends and economic data, the President & Chief Investment Officer designs investment solutions that support the long-term financial goals of clients navigating retirement, divorce, or career changes. Riggs oversees the asset allocation process and risk management frameworks to ensure that portfolios remain aligned with client objectives. This leadership role involves collaborating with the advisory team to integrate investment strategies into broader financial planning and tax-related solutions. Tony Riggs monitors global market conditions to identify opportunities for growth and capital preservation. Through rigorous investment research and disciplined decision-making, Riggs enhances the firm's ability to deliver consistent financial results. Ultimately, the President & Chief Investment Officer secures the firm's reputation for investment excellence by maintaining a focus on prudent, data-driven strategies that protect and grow client wealth.

    John Rajes - Chief Technology Officer

    John Rajes, the Chief Technology Officer at Merit Financial Advisors, architects the digital infrastructure and technological platforms that power the firm's financial advisory services. By implementing secure and scalable software solutions, the Chief Technology Officer enables advisors to deliver precise financial planning and tax-related strategies to clients. Rajes oversees the integration of data analytics tools that assist in navigating complex life transitions, ensuring that technology serves as a catalyst for client success. This leadership role involves managing cybersecurity protocols and digital transformation initiatives to protect sensitive client information across the firm's national operations. John Rajes collaborates with other executives to align technological capabilities with the firm's broader business goals. Through the continuous improvement of digital tools, Rajes enhances the overall client experience and operational efficiency. Ultimately, the Chief Technology Officer drives the firm's technological evolution, ensuring that digital assets remain robust, secure, and highly effective in supporting long-term wealth management objectives.
    John Rajes

    Margarite Lynch - Chief Administrative Officer (CAO)

    Margarite Lynch, the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) at Merit Financial Advisors, manages the administrative functions and organizational policies that support the firm's daily operations. By overseeing human resources, office management, and internal communications, the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) ensures that the firm maintains a productive environment for its financial advisors. Lynch directs the implementation of corporate policies that align with the firm's mission of providing comprehensive wealth management and financial planning. This leadership role involves coordinating administrative support for various departments to ensure seamless service delivery during major life transitions for clients. Margarite Lynch monitors organizational health and employee engagement to foster a culture of excellence and professional development. Through the effective management of administrative resources, Lynch supports the firm's growth and operational stability. Ultimately, the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) maintains the structural foundation necessary for the firm to deliver high-quality financial solutions and insurance planning services to a diverse client base.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Merit Financial Advisors Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Merit Financial Advisors?
    Merit Financial Advisors is led by Rick Kent (Founder & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Brett Robison (President & Chief Executive Officer) and Chrissy Lee (Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of Merit Financial Advisors’s executive team?
    The executive team of Merit Financial Advisors includes leaders such as Rick Kent (Founder & Chief Executive Officer), Brett Robison (President & Chief Executive Officer), Chrissy Lee (Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Merit Financial Advisors have?
    Merit Financial Advisors has 7 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Merit Financial Advisors’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Merit Financial Advisors includes roles such as Founder & Chief Executive Officer, President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, President & Partner, President & Chief Investment Officer.