Kirkpatrick-Violette Group

Merrill Private Wealth Management
601 West Riverside Avenue
Suite 500
Spokane WA 99201
(509) 458.4258
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Empowering Purpose, Simplifying Complexity. At the Kirkpatrick-Violette Group, we serve ultra-high net worth families, business owners, and executives with emotionally intelligent, multi-generational wealth planning. Our boutique approach transforms complexity into clarity—coordinating every facet of your financial life to preserve not just wealth, but meaning. We deliver mastery, not just management, so your legacy endures with intention.
Kirkpatrick-Violette Group
Welcome

Headquartered in Spokane, Washington, we are a boutique-like team within Merrill Private Wealth Management—one of approximately 200 teams nationwide honored with this designation. Since our founding in 1983, we've been guiding families through the complexities of wealth with clarity, purpose, and precision.

We serve ultra-high net worth families, business owners, executives, physicians, and next-generation inheritors. As a multigenerational team, we’re intentionally structured to help ensure continuity of service across generations. When a senior advisor transitions or retires, our clients experience no disruption – just seamless, consistent guidance from a team that knows them deeply and plans with intention.

🔹 Our Focus
We advise a select group of UHNW individuals and families who face unique challenges and opportunities. Many of our clients navigate significant complexity – whether from business transitions, multi-generational planning, or philanthropic structuring. With over 100 years of combined experience, we simplify the intricate and deliver strategies that align with your values, vision, and legacy.

🔹 Our Emphasis
We’ve intentionally built a robust, collaborative team to serve the full spectrum of your financial life. From investment management to estate planning coordination, our professionals are accessible, responsive, and deeply attuned to your family’s needs. We believe in real relationships – when you call, you speak to someone who knows you.

🔹 Our Commitment
We genuinely care about the families we serve. Many become lifelong friends. Their well-being inspires our work and drives our commitment to excellence. We feel that our enduring relationships reflect the caliber of our clients and the depth of our dedication.

Recognition
Jay Kirkpatrick
Managing Director, Private Wealth Advisor
Barron's "America's Top 1200 Financial Advisors State-by-State", 2018-2025
(Published annually in March. Rankings based on data as of September 30 of prior year.)
Forbes "Best-in-State Wealth Advisors", 2018-2025
(Published annually Jan – April. Rankings based on data as of June 30 of prior year.)
Forbes "Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams", 2024-2026
(Published annually in January. Rankings based on data as of March 31 of prior year.)
Forbes "America's Top Wealth Advisors", 2025
(Published on April 8, 2025. Rankings based on data as of June 30, 2024.)
Show more recognition
Kirkpatrick-Violette Group
Forbes "Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams", 2024-2026
(Published annually in January. Rankings based on data as of March 31 of prior year.)
Our Approach
Our Philosophy

We believe significant wealth deserves more than investment management. It deserves clarity, intention, and a team who understands both the financial and emotional complexity that comes with success. Most of the families we serve are ultra‑high‑net‑worth families, business owners, and C‑suite executives who have spent decades building something meaningful. They often come to us at pivotal moments—preparing to sell a business, navigating a major liquidity event, approaching retirement, or planning for future generations. Our role is to help them move through these transitions with confidence.

We take the time to understand your values, your family, and the legacy you want to create. We intentionally limit the number of relationships we take on so we can remain deeply involved, accessible, and thoughtful in every interaction. Our philosophy centers on partnership: helping you make decisions that support the next chapter of your life and the generations who will follow you.

Because wealth touches every part of life, we work collaboratively—with specialists across banking, investments, planning, credit, and trust services—to bring you integrated, strategic guidance. Our team draws on the resources of a global financial institution while delivering the personal, high‑touch experience our clients appreciate.

We also recognize that significant wealth often spans multiple states, lifestyles, and life stages. Many of the families we serve maintain homes in multiple locations or ultimately choose to retire outside of Washington. Our team is structured to serve clients nationwide, providing continuity, organization, and a trusted point of contact no matter where life takes you.

Above all, we believe wealth should simplify your life, not complicate it. Our philosophy is rooted in helping you stay organized, make intentional decisions, and create a plan that reflects what matters most to you today and to the people you care about most.

Thursday, January 15th 2026| 12:00pm - 1:00pm PT
Webinar - You Have The Power To Feel Your Best: Rest | Eat | Move

Join us for an engaging session with Chris Johnson focused on building a strong foundation for health and wellness. This presentation explores practical strategies to improve energy, resilience, and o...

Meet Our Team
Jay Kirkpatrick,

CEPA®, CFP®, CIMA®, CKP®, CPFA®

Managing Director, Private Wealth Advisor
509.458.4256
Cory Violette
Senior Vice President, Senior Financial Advisor
509.458.4304
Jennifer May
Vice President, Private Wealth Business Manager
509.458.4258
Christopher Malde,

CFA

Private Wealth Investment Management Specialist
509.458.4317
Savanna Marie Brown,

CFP®, CPWA®

Vice President, Private Wealth Planner
509.458.4320
Mary L Groves
Officer, Registered Senior Private Wealth Client Associate
509.458.4234
Magaly Makryna Pelayo
Officer, Registered Senior Private Wealth Client Associate
509.458.4293
Julie Ulyanchuk Headshot Image
Julie Ulyanchuk
Wealth Management Client Associate
509.459.4541
Additional Resources
The following specialists do not make securities recommendations. Please contact your Merrill Private Wealth Management Advisor if you have questions about how a specialist might be able to assist you.
Bryan Austin
Wealth Strategist
Merrill
Katherine VanMeter
Alternative Investments Regional Specialist
Bank of America, N.A.
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Karen Cushman-George
Wealth Management Banking Specialist
Merrill
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About Private Wealth

We meet complexity head on
Growing and navigating wealth isn't a straight line. There are complexities and opportunities at every turn. That's why your Merrill team serves as mission control for your wealth, offering the highest level of execution and world-class intellectual capital to help keep you moving forward through every pivotal moment. Find out what it's like to work with us.

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C(k)P® is a registered trademark of The Retirement Advisor University, Inc.
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board) owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and the CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States, which it authorizes use of by individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.
Investments & Wealth Institute™ (The Institute) is the owner of the certification marks CIMA® and Certified Investment Management Analyst®. Use of CIMA®, and/or Certified Investment Management Analyst® signifies that the user has successfully completed the Institute’s initial and ongoing credentialing requirements for investment management professionals.
CFA® and Chartered Financial Analyst® are registered trademarks of the CFA Institute.
Investments & Wealth Institute™ (The Institute) is the owner of the certification marks CPWA® and Certified Private Wealth Advisor®. Use of CPWA®, and/or Certified Private Wealth Advisor® signifies that the user has successfully completed the Institute’s initial and ongoing credentialing requirements for wealth advisors.