Meet Shawn
Shawn is Director of Business Transitions and is based in Newport Beach, California. He leads the firm’s national Business Transitions practice, a specialty group focused on helping business owners, founders, and executives navigate mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and major liquidity events. His team works alongside owners and their bankers, attorneys, and accountants to ensure tax structuring, trust and estate planning, and investment strategy are in place before the wire clears.
Shawn joined Mercer Advisors in 2026, bringing nearly two decades of experience across M&A advisory, institutional investing, and ultra-high-net-worth wealth management, including roles as Portfolio Manager and Senior Wealth Advisor. Earlier in his career, Shawn was a member of the founding M&A team at Focus Financial Partners and a Senior Equity Analyst at Gabelli Funds, reporting directly to founder Mario Gabelli. Shawn earned a B.A. degree in international relations from the University of Southern California and an MBA from Columbia Business School, and he holds a FINRA Series 65 license.
His working style
Shawn is relationship-driven, highly collaborative, and action-oriented. He brings enthusiasm and energy to his role, connecting with people and understanding what matters most to them. He communicates openly and directly, values responsiveness and follow-through, and believes the strongest outcomes come from solid relationships built on trust and a shared sense of purpose.
Shawn in real life
What keeps you busy outside of work?
Most of my time outside of work is spent with my wife and two kids. I love coaching my kids’ softball and soccer teams and being involved in the things they’re passionate about. Whether we’re at the field, at the beach, or just spending time together, family is a huge part of my life.
Favorite thing about where you live?
Orange County is home; it’s where I grew up and where I’m raising my own family. It’s hard to beat the beaches, incredible weather, and the ability to be outside and active year-round. You can always find something to do, and I love that so much of life here can be spent outdoors.
Why do you like working at Mercer Advisors?
The culture and the people are what I love most about Mercer Advisors. I get to work with incredibly smart people who are also genuinely caring, supportive, and invested in each other’s success. We have a real sense of teamwork and shared purpose here. Being part of a successful organization with amazing colleagues is pretty special.
Ready to learn more?
Explore More
