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MERLIN WEALTH MANAGEMENT

Taking the Complex and Making it Simple
We manage financial complexity, one relationship at a time

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We place a priority in knowing every aspect of our client’s financial life and providing unparalleled service.

Our people, and the client relationships we’ve built over the past two decades, are our most valuable resources. Merlin Wealth Management has relationships that span two, three and even four generations. Our deep connection with families provides us with the ability to weave together a mission statement that includes financial, investment and philanthropic strategies while being mindful to include and consider the next generation.

 

“For more than two decades, our team has assisted entrepreneurs, family businesses, corporate executives and high-net-worth families in the creation and maintenance of significant wealth.”

Michael Merlin, Founder

Taking the Complex and Making It Simple: The MWM Educational Podcast

Join Michael Merlin, Founder of Merlin Wealth Management at Rockefeller Capital Management and various friends, colleagues, and experts as they take complicated financial concepts and break them down to simple, easy to understand ideas.

Episodes available for download on Apple Podcasts or Spotify:

MWM Podcast on Apple Podcasts
MWM Podcast on Spotify

At Merlin Wealth Management, we know “the future depends on what we do in the present.”—Mahatma Gandhi.

That’s why you’ll find our unwavering commitment to your goals, and custom wealth and investment strategies to help you achieve them.

MICHAEL MERLIN

Founder, Merlin Wealth Management
Head of MWM Family Office
MMerlin@rockco.com
(404) 942-3060
Biography +

AMBER BLANCHARD

Private Advisor
Senior Vice President
ABlanchard@rockco.com
(404) 942-3061
Biography +

ADAM ABRAMSON

Head of MWM High Net Worth and Corporate Services
Senior Vice President
AAbramson@rockco.com
(404) 942-3062
Biography +

ADAM COMPTON

Head of MWM Asset Management
Senior Vice President
ACompton@rockco.com
(404) 942-3063
Biography +

MICHAEL ATHANAS

Private Advisor
Senior Vice President
MAthanas@rockco.com
(404) 942-3064
Biography +

EMERY BOURNE

Private Advisor, Vice President
MWM Family Office Relationship Manager
EBourne@rockco.com
(404) 942-3065
Biography +

APRIL GAY

Private Advisor, Vice President
MWM Family Office Relationship Manager
AGay@rockco.com
(404) 942-3066
Biography +

THOMAS V. PATTON

Private Advisor
Associate Vice President
TPatton@rockco.com
(404)-942-3089
Biography +

JOHN WAGNER

Associate Portfolio Manager – Equities
Associate Vice President
JWagner@rockco.com
(404) 942-3070
Biography +

DAVID NORTH

Vice President
DNorth@rockco.com
(404)-476-2228
Biography +

RENE BRACEY

Executive Assistant to Michael Merlin
MWM Team Business Manager
Vice President
RBracey@rockco.com
(404) 942-3068
Biography +

AVERY ROWE

Operations Analyst
ARowe@rockco.com
(404) 443-2704
Biography +

DE'MUN OAKLEY

Operations Analyst
DOakley@rockco.com
(404)-443-2699
Biography +

ZACHARY SAMPLES

Operations Analyst
ZSamples@rockco.com
(404)-443-2707
Biography +
A leading private wealth practice…
Customized Investment Strategy Design

We diagnose and evaluate your financial situation and design a tailored investment strategy for you, combining long-term goals and near-term opportunities.

Portfolio Management & Optimization

We manage your complete financial ecosystem including tax & estate planning, insurance, retirement entities, and your investments.

Investment, Tax & Legal Advisor Coordination

We work with your Tax Advisor to manage your investments in a tax-efficient manner and coordinate with your Attorneys to help plan your estate, structure business transactions, and manage charitable donations.

Risk Management

We align your portfolio with your tolerance for risk and monitor your allocation for unexpected behavior in multiple market conditions.

Cash Management, Optimization, & Access

We handle all cash activity and cash equivalents including loans, banking products, and mortgages.

Ongoing Monitoring & Performance Analytics

We provide you with a high level of transparency through advanced analytics and regular meetings with our team.

Customized Investment Strategy Design

We diagnose and evaluate your financial situation and design a tailored investment strategy for you, combining long-term goals and near-term opportunities.

Portfolio Management & Optimization

We manage your complete financial ecosystem including tax & estate planning, insurance, retirement entities, and your investments.

Investment, Tax, & Legal Advisor Coordination

We work with your CPA to manage your investments in a tax-efficient manner and coordinate with your attorneys to help plan your estate, structure business transactions, and manage charitable donations.

Risk Management

We align your portfolio with your tolerance for risk and monitor your allocation for unexpected behavior in multiple market conditions.

Cash Management, Optimization, & Access

We handle all cash activity and cash equivalents including loans, banking products, and mortgages.

Ongoing Monitoring & Performance Analytics

We provide you with a high level of transparency through advanced analytics and regular meetings with our team.

merged with holistic advisory and family office services.

The Rockefeller difference is our combination of holistic and specialized services, designed to complement customized wealth planning and advisory.

family office
  • Financial Accounting & Bookkeeping
  • Trust & Estate Planning
  • Tax Efficient Planning & Preparation
  • Family Legacy & Governance Advisory
  • Bill payment
  • Philanthropy advisory
  • Human Resources Services
  • Cash flow and liquidity planning
  • Next Gen Financial Education
  • Aggregated Reporting
strategic advisory

Rockefeller Capital Management provides strategic advice to ultra-high-net worth families, family offices, individuals and corporations. Families that own businesses or are interested in purchasing a business can come to Rockefeller Capital Management for thoughtful, tailored advice on whether to sell a business, sell a portion of a business, purchase a business or grow an existing business.
Rockefeller Capital Management also works with corporations seeking customized, innovative solutions and independent advice on strategic transactions. Our focus is to deliver exceptional results for our clients through flawless execution and to help clients achieve their strategic goals.

Rockefeller Capital Management provides securities activities and services through Rockefeller Financial LLC, its registered broker-dealer, member FINRA, SIPC.

• Differentiated, independent advice for entrepreneurs and business owners

• Execution across private and public companies owned or operated by our clients

• Mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, capital raises

• Real estate advisory

• Sports franchise advisory

asset management

In much the same way as we have been fortunate to accompany our clients in their lifecycle journey, businesses, like people, go through their own lifecycle and, no different than any of us, are valuable in each of those various phases but for different reasons.

One common link we have all been bound by is the idea that the identification and ownership of great growth businesses is the best way to achieve investment success over long periods of time. Part of this success comes from knowing where in the business lifecycle a great company resides and understanding the risk/reward trade-offs based on these characteristics.

Our deep understanding of these characteristics inspires us to establish 3 discretionary equity investment strategies which correlate with the 3 main phases in the lifecycle of a business. We believe these equity strategies combined with our customized fixed income strategies are the ideal toolbox to provide quality asset allocation to any and all investors.

• Exclusive PWM Platform access to Alternative Investments such as Hedge Funds, Real Estate, private Equity and Direct Co-Investments.

life style advisory

We are pleased to offer our clients and their families special access and privileges through a handful of thoughtfully vetted and selected partners – each preeminent providers in their respective fields – providing highly personalized support on how to simplify, navigate, and elevate modern life.

Private Aviation
• A unique private aviation platform designed exclusively for Rockefeller Capital Management Clients

Private Health Advisory
• Proactive health and wellness support, travel/emergency contingency 24/7 and complete management of any health concern.

Personal Security
• A total security solution tailored to each client and location, assessing their needs and goals.

Emergency Travel Services
• The world’s leading organization providing medical, security, evacuation, travel risk and crisis management services.

Art Advisory
• With access to specialists in art and collectibles globally, experts will provide guidance through the sales and acquisition process.

Next Gen Advisory
• Career and life coaching for emerging professionals, as well as health and wellness resources for young adults.

Elder Care
• A unique benefit that can help with everything related to aging, elder care or special needs.

Virtual Specialty Care
• A virtual specialty care platform that leverages sophisticated technology to curate access to a network of leading doctors across 48 US hospitals for expert insights on specific health concerns.

Once in a Lifetime Experiences
• Almost any “bucket list” wish can be fulfilled for Rockefeller clients with VIP-savvy concierge experts who can pave the way to once-in-a-lifetime experiences, whether meeting global stars, participating in iconic events, or realizing other long-held dreams.

Unique Travel Experiences
• A leading travel concierge service that offers exclusive planning and booking for Rockefeller clients seeking unforgettable vacations. Clients have access at member-only rates to unique settings and destinations with family privileges.

Purpose-Driven Wine Platform
• A leading wine-appreciation platform offering a single source for Rockefeller clients interested in fine wines, insider offers and access to unique experiences. Clients can obtain allocated, reserve, library and collector-level wines. Through the Rockefeller Live Well Do Good Membership Program, a portion of profits go to support The Ocean Foundation.

Cyber Security
• An exclusive boutique company with a proven history of providing elite cyber-protection services for all digital security needs of individuals and their families to eliminate the risk of cyberattacks.

Request an Introduction 

(404) 443-2700         3060 Peachtree Road NW, Suite 110 | Atlanta, GA 30305 | United States

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“Generations of families and businesses have given us a unique perspective on how to manage complexity and provide customized advice—one relationship at a time.”
Michael Merlin, Founder
“With our consultative approach, we fully understand your vision, preferences and unique circumstances before formulating a wealth strategy for achieving your specific objectives.”
Adam Abramson, Head of MWM High Net Worth and Corporate Services, Senior Vice President
“Our goal is for you and your future generations to enjoy wealth without worry.”
Amber Blanchard, Head of MWM Practice Management, Senior Vice President
“The planning and investment decisions we make today lay the groundwork for a bright and prosperous financial future.”
Michael Athanas, Private Advisor, Senior Vice President
Our Ideas
Taking the Complex and Making it Simple - First Quarter 2023: Déjà vu
Taking the Complex and Making it Simple - First Quarter 2023: Déjà vu
Seven Rockefeller Global Family Office Private Advisors Named to Barron's Top 1200 Financial Advisors List 2023
Seven Rockefeller Global Family Office Private Advisors Named to Barron's Top 1200 Financial Advisors List 2023
Taking the Complex and Making it Simple- The Wall Chapter Four: Dubious Distinctions
Taking the Complex and Making it Simple- The Wall Chapter Four: Dubious Distinctions
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News
Business Wire - May 8, 2023
Rockefeller Asset Management and KraneShares Announce Partnership to Launch ETFs Seeking to Deliver Alpha
Business Wire - June 20, 2023
Rockefeller Asset Management Names Tim Skiendzielewski Associate Portfolio Manager, Expanding its Small and SMid Cap Investing Team
Business Wire - August 1, 2023
Rockefeller Asset Management Launches U.S. Small Cap Core Fund, Adding to Its Active Lineup of Small Cap Strategies
Business Wire - April 3, 2023
IGM Financial, a Member of the Power Corporation Group of Companies, Making Long-Term Strategic Investment in Rockefeller Capital Management; Becomes Shareholder Alongside Majority Investor Viking Global Investors
Business Wire - January, 13 2023
Rockefeller Capital Management Expands Presence in Texas, Welcomes First Austin-Based Private Advisor Team
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck

Rockefeller Financial LLC is a broker-dealer and investment adviser dually registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC);Member Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC). Rockefeller Financial LLC is not a bank. Where appropriate, Rockefeller Financial LLC has entered into arrangements with banks and other third parties to assist in offering certain banking related products and services.

Investment, insurance and annuity products offered through Rockefeller Financial LLC are not FDIC insured, may lose value, are not bank guaranteed, not a bank deposit, and not otherwise insured by any federal government agency.

Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. Past Performance is no guarantee of future results and no investment or financial planning strategy guarantees profit or protection.

Rockefeller Capital Management LLC and its affiliates do not provide tax or legal advice. Clients should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for legal matters.
MICHAEL J. MERLIN

MICHAEL J. MERLIN

Founder, Merlin Wealth Management 
Head of MWM Family Office 

 

Michael Merlin is the founder of Merlin Wealth Management and a CFP®.  In his 22 years as an advisor to families, Michael’s focus has always been on demystifying financial, estate, investment, and philanthropic planning for his clients.  With extensive experience in multi-generational planning and advisory techniques, as well as asset management, Michael leads MWM and its clients to partner together and create customized wealth plans that are steeped in the values and best practices of each family.  Having built an institutional-quality asset management practice inside MWM, Michael and his team can even align their clients’ investment plans with these same best practices. 

In January 2020, Merlin Wealth Management combined with Rockefeller Capital Management to marry their high standard for client service, proprietary asset management business, and multigenerational advisory practice with Rockefeller’s legendary family-office services and resources.  Prior to that, Michael led his team as a Managing Director at Morgan Stanley.  He also served as a Corporate Finance Analyst at Bank of America earlier in his career.

Under Michael’s leadership, Merlin Wealth Management has been recognized by Barron’s, On Wall Street, Forbes, and The Financial Times. Michael has also been published several times in the Atlanta Business Chronicle, writing mainly about the importance of financial literacy and communicating planning and best practices with next generations.

Michael lives in Atlanta with his wife Caren and their two sons. Their deep commitment to the community is reflected in Michael’s service to several non-profit organizations and local businesses. He currently sits on several private foundation and family company boards, in addition to his service on the board of the Atlanta Jewish Foundation. The Merlins recently established an endowment for Teacher Innovation Grants at The Epstein School in Atlanta, to inspire creativity and foster new ideas in the way we teach our children. The Merlin family places a priority on ensuring that their children understand the responsibility for giving back, volunteering together for projects with the Leukemia Lymphoma Society, the Zaban Paradies Center, and Creating Connected Communities.

Michael graduated Cum Laude from Northwestern University with a BA in Economics in 1997.

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AMBER BLANCHARD

AMBER BLANCHARD

Private Advisor
Senior Vice President

 

Amber is a Private Advisor and Senior Vice President in MWM’s High Net Worth business.  Keeping up with your financial plan takes discipline and patience; she believes that every client deserves to have a financial plan in place and support from a dynamic team to stay on track.  She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in Finance from the University of Georgia.  

Amber lives in Atlanta with her daughter and 2 rather large and entertaining dogs, Princess, and Hershey.  She enjoys kayaking, hiking, most home improvement projects, cooking, gardening, and volunteering at her daughter’s school.   

 

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ADAM ABRAMSON

ADAM ABRAMSON

Head of MWM High Net Worth and Corporate Services 
Senior Vice President

 

Adam Abramson leads Merlin Wealth Management’s High Net Worth and Corporate Services businesses. Adam has spent the last fourteen years helping clients with their financial goals by understanding their objectives and values and delivering the analytical and technical aspects of their investment and financial plans. He was named to Forbes’ list of America’s Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisor from 2017 – 2019. Adam holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) designation.

Prior to joining Rockefeller Capital Management, Adam was an advisor at Morgan Stanley and, in a prior role, a consultant at Accenture. He graduated from the University of Virginia with a bachelor’s degree in economics.

Adam serves as a coach to his children’s youth sports teams. He has also served in various roles in local non-profits, including previous board positions at the Children’s Museum of Atlanta and the Southeast Region of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL).

Adam and his wife Allison live in Atlanta with their three children. He is an avid runner in his free time.

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ADAM COMPTON

ADAM COMPTON

Head of MWM Asset Management
Senior Vice President 

 

Adam Compton is Head of Merlin Wealth Management’s (MWM) Asset Management and Co-Manager of our three equity strategies. Adam joined MWM in July 2018 and has over twenty-six years of portfolio management and securities analysis experience. As Co-Manager of the portfolios, Adam has rebuilt the already successful MWM fundamental process with a strong institutional overlay of risk management and controls, while expanding primary research capabilities to reduce reliance on Street resources.

Prior to joining MWM, Adam was a Managing Director and Portfolio Manager at GMT Capital, where he spent nine years running a global long-short equities portfolio. Adam’s industry experience has also included roles as an equity portfolios manager and head of U.S. Financial Services Research at Allianz Global Investors in San Francisco, and as a sell-side equity analyst at Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Morgan Stanley, Bank of America Securities, and Smith Barney. Adam also spent three years as a bank regulator for the State of Florida during the banking crisis of the late 1980s and early 1990s, and a year at a Santa Clara-based fin-tech, Skuchain, as head of finance.

Adam earned his MBA, with distinction, from Cornell University, and his bachelor’s degree in business, cum laude, from Houghton College where he currently serves on the President’s Advisory Board. For five years, Adam served as a member of the Investors Technical Advisory Committee for the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) where he advised on improving accounting practices for the Banking Industry following the Global Financial Crisis.

Adam lives in Atlanta with his wife, Andrea, and his three daughters. He volunteers with Second Helpings Atlanta and the Central Presbyterian Night Shelter, and he has spent summer weeks doing volunteer construction work at the NAOMI House for Native American children in Arizona.

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MICHAEL ATHANAS

MICHAEL ATHANAS

Private Advisor 
Senior Vice President

Michael Athanas is a Private Advisor and Senior Vice President at Rockefeller Capital Management where he and his team are dedicated to advising high-net worth families grow and preserve their wealth for future generations.

Before joining Rockefeller, Michael spent over 10 years at Morgan Stanley as a Senior Vice President and Senior Investment Management Consultant and earned his Family Wealth Advisor designation. He became a member of the MWM group in 2018.

Michael began his career at Boston Safe Deposit & Trust Co., then went on to Lehman Brothers, Oppenheimer & Co., and Bear Stearns. He is a member of the Investment Management Consultants Association and the Rotary Club of Braselton.

Michael earned a bachelor’s degree in finance at Ithaca College. He later earned the Certified Investment Management Analyst® (CIMA®) designation from the Wharton School of Business.

He and his wife Kerri live in Atlanta with their family. They are passionate about the fight against autism and support the Marcus Autism Center in Atlanta and various other charities.

 

 

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EMERY BOURNE

EMERY BOURNE

 

Private Advisor, Vice President
MWM Family Office Relationship Manager

 

Emery Bourne is a Vice President and Relationship Manager for Merlin Wealth Management (MWM) Family Office Services at Rockefeller Capital Management. Emery has been a member of MWM since 2011 when the team was part of Morgan Stanley. Prior to joining MWM, Emery worked for fourteen years as a Financial Advisor with Smith Barney. Her experience and deep relationships with her clients enable her to focus on the complex needs of ultra-high net worth families. Emery uses her organizational and implementation skills to develop holistic wealth management plans that begin with a goal attainment planning foundation.  

Emery earned a bachelor’s degree in wildlife biology from the University of Vermont, and she is a graduate of the National Outdoor Leadership School.  

A native of Atlanta, Emery is active in the community and was a founding member of Earn2Give (formerly Project Gift), a program for inner-city public elementary school children that combines the spirit of giving with personal achievement and accountability. Emery has served on the alumni board for Pace Academy and volunteered for The Whitefoord Community Program, Chastain Horse Park therapeutic riding program, and My Sister’s House. 

Emery lives in Atlanta with her husband, Bray, and their two daughters. In her free time, she enjoys riding and training horses, hiking, and live music. 

 

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APRIL GAY

APRIL GAY

Private Advisor, Vice President
MWM Family Office Relationship Manager

 

April Gay is an accomplished professional with a rich history of financial expertise and client-centric service. As the Vice President and Relationship Manager for the Merlin Wealth Management (MWM) team at Rockefeller Capital Management, April stands as a true advocate for the needs of ultra-high net worth families. 

Before her tenure at Rockefeller, April's career journey included significant milestones that showcased her commitment to excellence. As a Senior Financial Representative within the Stock Plan group at E*TRADE Financial, she displayed a strong acumen for managing client relationships and client education of financial assets. Prior to that, April spent six years at Bank of America, where she exhibited exceptional leadership as she coached various teams responsible for delivering top-tier banking customer service, sales, and managed the operations of banking centers to the highest standards. 

April's operational background serves as a foundation upon which she builds customized solutions for the unique needs of ultra-high net worth families. Her approach is marked by methodical precision, always placing the client at the heart of her strategies. April's involvement in Rockefeller Capital Management’s Field Leadership Council underscores her dedication to ensuring an unparalleled client experience, driving her to continuously seek improvements and enhancements that align with clients' interests. 

A native of the South, hailing from Georgia and Alabama, April's educational background is equally diverse. She earned her bachelor’s degree in history and a certificate in Ethical Leadership from Kennesaw State University. April holds the Series 7 and 66 licenses. 

April is a fervent animal lover, cherishing moments spent with her 3-year-old Jack Russell, Luna. April’s interests include reading, international travel and history, and the exploration of the culinary arts as an at-home chef and baker. 

 

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AVERY ROWE

AVERY ROWE

Operations Analyst 

 

Avery Rowe is an Operations Analyst for Merlin Wealth Management.  He joined our team in February 2021 and works closely with Service and Operations.  Avery has spent the last several years in the finance industry working with such firms as Advisor Group, Lincoln Financial and SunTrust Bank. His focus in his previous roles was on a variety of operational processes within the industry and to provide the support needed to ensure client needs were met.

Avery is a graduate of Clark Atlanta University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics.   He is a native of Atlanta and enjoys spending time with his daughter.  Avery is an active member of his community volunteering with the MLK Service Project.

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JOHN WAGNER

JOHN WAGNER

Associate Portfolio Manager - Equities, Associate Vice President

 

John Wagner is an Analyst on the Merlin Wealth Management team at Rockefeller Capital Management.  

John joined the team in January 2020 after graduating magna cum laude from the Georgia Institute of Technology with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Management, with a Finance Concentration. 

John’s primary role is to support the efforts of the Merlin Wealth Management investment team in the maintenance, management, and structuring of the team’s five proprietary investment strategies. 

John continues to give back to his community, most recently through Outreach360, a program in which he taught English in the Dominican Republic, and by raising money for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta through Georgia Tech’s For The Kids Dance Marathon.  

He has also been an active volunteer with Habitat For Humanity and was a hospital volunteer in the North Georgia Health System. 

 

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RENE BRACEY

RENE BRACEY

Executive Assistant to Michael Merlin, MWM Team Business Manager, Vice President

 

Rene Bracey is the Executive Assistant to Michael Merlin, a Private Wealth Advisor at Rockefeller Capital Management, and the founder of Merlin Wealth Management.  Rene is also MWM’s Team Business Manager.  

In 2010, she joined the Merlin team, which previously was part of Morgan Stanley.  Rene embarked on her career as an Administrative Professional over 20 years ago, and since then, she has continuously honed her skills while embracing the ever-evolving corporate landscape. Throughout her journey, Rene has worked with leading organizations across various industries, including finance, consumer goods, healthcare, and marketing. Her adaptability and versatility have allowed her to thrive in dynamic and challenging environments. 

She lives in Alpharetta with her husband, John.  They have two grown daughters.  Rene volunteers her time through local charities that focus on Metro-Atlanta’s underserved communities- Atlanta Mission, My Sister’s House, Earn2Give and Second Helpings Atlanta.  Rene enjoys reading, traveling with her family, and baking.

 

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LINCOLN NYINGI

LINCOLN NYINGI

Trading and Reporting Specialist 
Associate Vice President

 

As a Trader and reporting specialist for the Merlin Wealth Management Asset Management business at Rockefeller Capital Management, Lincoln executes trades across the firm’s proprietary equity and fixed income strategies. Lincoln holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration with concentrations in finance and accounting. Lincoln’s financial services career has focused on trading Fixed Income and Equities on both an institutional and retail level. In his free time, Lincoln enjoys playing and watching rugby.

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JACOB JANZEN

JACOB JANZEN

Investment Research Analyst

 

Jacob Janzen is an Analyst on Merlin Wealth Management’s (MWM) Asset Management business. He joined the team in January 2022 after graduating as a Michael F. Price Scholar from the University of Oklahoma’s Graduate College of Business.

Jacob’s primary role is to support the efforts of the Merlin Wealth Management Asset Management team in the maintenance, management, and structuring of the team’s five proprietary investment strategies. He is responsible for conducting fundamental analysis, risk management, and structuring of the team’s portfolios. Jacob also seeks to further build upon the team’s modeling and valuation capabilities.

Prior to joining MWM, Jacob held internship positions with StarStep Partners in Stamford, CT and Ascent Resources in Oklahoma City, OK. During his time at the University of Oklahoma, Jacob served as a captain for the track and cross-country teams, and holds an individual conference championship, an institutional record, and All-American honors in both athletics and academics.

Jacob holds an M.B.A. with a concentration in Finance and a B.S. in Scientific & Quantitative Analysis with a Pre-Medicine emphasis from the University of Oklahoma. He is a proud 4th generation Oklahoman where his family has farmed land since 1910 and is a big supporter of all Sooner sports. He and his wife Evie have recently relocated to Atlanta, where she was born and raised as a 3rd generation Georgian. They both enjoy recreational rock climbing & long walks on the Atlanta Beltline and are active members of their church.

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DE'MUN OAKLEY

DE'MUN OAKLEY

Operations Analyst

 

De’Mun Oakley is an Operations Analyst with Merlin Wealth Management at Rockefeller Capital Management. He joined the team in February 2022, with an eclectic background. He has held several processing positions in the industry for nearly ten years. 

A native of Tuscaloosa, AL, De’Mun earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management at Middle Tennessee State University. Before graduating he studied Music Engineering Technology at Hampton University where he received a scholarship for marching in their band and performing in the symphonic and jazz bands before transferring. 

Focusing on the client experience De’Mun leans in where organizational gaps allow for his optimistic and jovial approach to fill voids otherwise overlooked. His experiences include an introduction into finance as Office Facilitator at Lincoln Financial Advisors before transitioning into Operations Processing for two companies now acquired by Ladenburg Thalmann Asset Management, Inc. (Triad Advisors, LLC and Advisor Group Inc.) as well as a brief placement as Onboarding Processor with BlackRock. 

De’Mun enjoys Stand-up Comedy, Classic Muscle cars from 1960-1972 and barbering. He spends most of his free time with his wife Tanisha, a PhD from The University of Georgia making them an SEC house divided.

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ZACHARY SAMPLES

ZACHARY SAMPLES

Operations Analyst

 

Zach Samples is an Operations Analyst with Merlin Wealth Management at Rockefeller Capital Management. Prior to joining MWM in February 2022, he had 10 years of operations experience with four years at FSC securities (now Advisor Group) as a senior operations analyst. His experience was primarily spent training new hires as well as financial advisers on the operational processes and procedures of the industry.  

A native of Georgia, Zach grew up in North Georgia and enjoys all things outdoors. His favorite hobbies include playing soccer and golf, as well as running trail races. He received a soccer scholarship to the university of North Georgia where he graduated with a bachelor's degree in Finance and holds his series 7, 63 and 24 licenses. He also works very closely with the Pet’s for Vet’s organization, which provides service dogs to our veterans from the armed services community.

 

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THOMAS PATTON

THOMAS PATTON

Private Advisor, Associate Vice President

 

Thomas is a Private Advisor and Associate Vice President in MWM’s High Net Worth business. Whether he’s working with an individual, multigenerational family, or business, Thomas’ focus is to help clients with their financial goals by simplifying their financial picture. He guides clients through important decisions and prepares them for financial success. 

Prior to joining Rockefeller Capital Management, Thomas worked at Morgan Stanley where he specialized in portfolio management, with a focus on constructing/managing client portfolios and investment analysis & research. 

Thomas received two degrees from Louisiana State University. He graduated with honors, earning his bachelor’s degree studying Business and Sport Commerce, and holds an M.B.A., with specializations in Finance and Data Analytics. 

Thomas serves in his community as a coach at Buckhead Baseball, as well as a volunteer with Habitat for Humanity, the Junior Olympics, and the Special Olympics. 

He and his wife Rebecca live in Atlanta with their son and dog. He is an avid golfer, and loves to travel, cook, and root for his LSU Tigers. 

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KEELA A. CHAMBERS

KEELA A. CHAMBERS

 Operations Analyst

 

Keela Chambers is an Operations Analyst for Merlin Wealth Management and works closely with the Service and Operation team. 

Keela has more than 8 years of experience in the wealth management industry and has obtained her Series 7, Series 63, CRPC®, Life & Health, and Variable Annuities insurance license. 

Keela feels strongly about helping the youth and also mentors young adults at Everwise. Keela is an avid learner and enjoys the park and live music and on her free time.

 

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GRADY O'GARA

GRADY O'GARA

 Investment Associate, Vice President

 

Grady O’Gara joined Rockefeller and the MWM team in January of 2023. Prior to joining Rockefeller, Grady was the Head Trader at Masters Capital Management, where he was responsible for portfolio trading across equities and equity derivatives, using fundamental behavioral, and technical analysis.  Grady was also the Head Trader for Senvest Management, where he managed the active trading of over 150 portfolio names across equities, credit, foreign exchange, and derivatives. Prior to Senvest and Masters Capital Management, he was with Keefe, Bruyette & Woods for 4 years as an Associate, Equity Sales Trader.  

He attended Colgate University, and received his Bachelor of Arts in International Relations, with a minor in Spanish.  

Outside of work, Grady is an avid runner, having completed 7 marathons, and in his free time enjoys spending time with his wife and two boys, as well as woodworking, landscaping, guitar, and playing golf.   

 

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DAVID NORTH

DAVID NORTH

Vice President

 

David North joined Rockefeller and the MWM (Merlin Wealth Management) team in February 2023.  Prior to Rockefeller, David led a long/short equity hedge fund focused on the Consumer, Industrials and Technology sectors at Due North Capital.  He also worked for GMT Capital for 7 years, serving as a Portfolio Manager where he was responsible for managing the Consumer and Industrials P&L, a $5B long/short hedge fund.  Additionally, David spent four years as a Senior Consultant for Clarkston Consulting, advising several Fortune 500 companies in the Consumer and Healthcare industries. 

David received his Bachelor of Science in Industrial and Systems Engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology.

A native of South Africa, David now lives in Dunwoody with his wife, Kristi, and their two young kids, Miller and Brooke.  David met Kristi at Georgia Tech, where they were both All-American tennis players.  

 

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