Kirk's key role as regional director at Merit Financial Advisors is to identify new strategic partnership opportunities to grow the Atlanta region and to mentor and develop financial advisors.

With 32 years as a leader in the industry, he is well positioned to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats to organizations. His team then creates custom-tailored succession plans for advisors and firms considering partnering with a larger organization. This helps with future growth for both the company and its team members.

Kirk was a founding member of Consilium Financial Group (CFG) in 2015 under Merit Financial Advisors' RIA partner program. This enabled CFG to outsource many administrative, compliance, and investment complexities, striving solely for excellent client service. This relationship built organic trust and confidence, culminating in a partnership with Merit in 2021.

Kirk has held his Series 7, 63, and 65 licenses, as well as his Georgia Life Insurance and Annuity licenses, and earned several professional designations, including Guided Portfolio Manager, Retirement Planning Consultant, and Managed Account Consultant. In 2001, he earned the designation Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA®) through the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School of Finance and the Investments & Wealth Institute. In 2020, he earned his Certified Financial Fiduciary® (CFF) designation, dedicating the practice to a standard of care, loyalty, and the client's best interest.