Bios

Christina Nortman, CPA

Managing Partner - Northeast Region

Christina is a Certified Public Accountant and a Partner at AE Tax Advisors, where she leads the Northeast division from her base in Maryland. She holds both a Bachelor’s and Master of Science in Accounting from the University of Baltimore, giving her a deep academic grounding in the technical complexities of tax and financial reporting. Christina’s career includes experience at two of the most respected firms in the profession — PwC, one of the Big Four, and CohnReznick, a top national accounting and advisory firm — where she managed audits and provided accounting services for a diverse range of clients across multiple industries. That pedigree gives her a level of technical rigor and professional discipline that few practitioners can match.

What sets Christina apart is her ability to bridge the gap between big-firm sophistication and the kind of accessible, client-centered service that high-income business owners actually want. She understands the standards and processes required to serve sophisticated clients, while also recognizing that the best advisory relationships are built on clear communication, responsiveness, and genuine care for the client’s financial well-being. As the leader of the Northeast division, Christina ensures that clients along the East Coast receive the same caliber of advanced tax planning and strategic guidance that defines AE Tax Advisors nationwide. Her combination of institutional-level training, advanced credentials, and a commitment to personalized service makes her an invaluable part of the firm’s growing national footprint.

Mark Simonsen, CPA

Founding Principal - Mountain West Region

Mark is a Certified Public Accountant and a Partner at both Tax-MT PLLC and AE Tax Advisors. Through Tax-MT PLLC, his Billings, Montana-based firm, Mark provides localized tax, accounting, and advisory services to individuals and small businesses throughout the region, drawing on more than 20 years of experience in the profession. At the national level, Mark leads the Mountain West division of AE Tax Advisors, extending the firm’s advanced tax planning capabilities across the western United States. This dual role allows Mark to combine the personalized attention of a local practice with the depth and sophistication of a national advisory platform.

Mark’s approach is rooted in professionalism, integrity, and a genuine commitment to helping business owners make smarter financial decisions. He believes in staying involved throughout the year rather than showing up only at tax time, regularly reconciling financials, reviewing general ledgers, and maintaining close oversight of his clients’ books so that nothing falls through the cracks. Mark understands that tax preparation is only one piece of the puzzle, and his year-round engagement ensures that the returns he prepares are built on a solid financial foundation. His hands-on, client-first mentality aligns with AE Tax Advisors’ mission of delivering proactive, advanced tax planning to high-income business owners — and his deep roots in the Montana business community make him a trusted resource for clients who want both local expertise and national-caliber strateg

Adam West, EA

Resolution and Compliance - Southeast Region

Adam is an Enrolled Agent and a Partner at both Gonser, West, & Associates and AE Tax Advisors. Through Gonser, West, & Associates, his Macon, Georgia-based firm, Adam provides localized accounting, consulting, and IRS representation services to individuals, businesses, and tax-exempt organizations throughout the region. At the national level, Adam leads the Southeast division of AE Tax Advisors, extending the firm’s advanced tax planning capabilities across the southeastern United States. This dual role allows Adam to combine the personalized, relationship-driven service of a local practice with the depth and sophistication of a national advisory platform.

Adam’s Enrolled Agent designation — the highest credential the IRS awards — grants him unlimited practice rights to represent taxpayers before all administrative levels of the Internal Revenue Service, making him a critical asset for clients facing audits, collections, or other compliance challenges. He has built particular expertise in nonprofit compliance, ensuring that tax-exempt entities remain in full alignment with the Internal Revenue Code and avoid the pitfalls that can jeopardize their exempt status. His experience guiding organizations like the Jones County Law Enforcement Foundation through the complexities of tax-exempt compliance speaks to the level of trust and technical skill he brings to every engagement. Adam’s thorough, hands-on approach and deep understanding of both for-profit and nonprofit tax matters align with AE Tax Advisors’ mission of delivering proactive, advanced tax planning — and his established presence in the Southeast makes him a trusted resource for clients who want both local expertise and national-caliber strategy.

Sidhartha Sen

Strategic Advisory: Finance, Operations, Business Development

Sidhartha Sen serves as a Strategic Advisor to AE Tax Advisors, bringing decades of executive-level experience in finance, operations, and business development. With a proven track record of scaling professional services firms and driving sustainable growth, Sidhartha provides senior leadership counsel on the strategic decisions that shape the trajectory of the business, from capital planning and operational efficiency to partnership development and market expansion.

Sidhartha’s approach is rooted in a deep understanding of how high-performing advisory firms are built and sustained. He works closely with the leadership team to identify growth opportunities, optimize internal processes, and ensure that the firm’s financial infrastructure supports its long-term vision. His ability to see around corners and anticipate market shifts has made him an invaluable resource for organizations looking to scale without sacrificing quality or client experience.

As a trusted advisor to AE Tax Advisors, Sidhartha plays a key role in bridging the gap between day-to-day operations and big-picture strategy. Whether it’s evaluating new service lines, strengthening referral networks, or refining the firm’s go-to-market approach, he brings a disciplined, results-oriented perspective that keeps the business moving forward with clarity and purpose.

Brett Watts

Lending Partner - Swift Line Capital

Brett Watts is the founder and managing partner of Swift Line Capital, a private lending firm that specializes in providing fast, flexible financing solutions for real estate investors and business owners. With deep expertise in commercial and residential lending, Brett has built Swift Line Capital into a trusted partner for clients seeking creative capital solutions — from bridge loans and fix-and-flip financing to long-term rental and new construction funding.

Brett’s approach to lending is defined by speed, transparency, and a genuine commitment to helping borrowers achieve their financial goals. He understands that every deal has its own timeline and challenges, and he works closely with clients and their advisors to structure financing that aligns with their broader tax and wealth-building strategies. His collaborative mindset and deep understanding of the lending landscape make him an invaluable resource for AE Tax Advisors’ clients who need reliable, strategic capital to fuel their investments.

As a lending partner of AE Tax Advisors, Brett bridges the gap between tax planning and deal execution — ensuring clients have access to the right financing at the right time, with terms that complement their long-term financial plans.

Avatar Tripathi

Head of Social Media

Avatar Tripathi is the Head of Social Media at AE Tax Advisors, where he leads the firm’s digital presence and brand strategy across all major platforms. With a sharp eye for storytelling and a deep understanding of what resonates with high-net-worth audiences, Avatar crafts content that educates, engages, and positions AE Tax Advisors as a leading voice in advanced tax planning. From developing thought leadership campaigns and producing compelling video content to managing community engagement and analytics, Avatar brings a data-driven creative approach to every initiative. He understands that in today’s landscape, a strong social media presence isn’t just about visibility — it’s about building trust and credibility with prospective clients long before the first consultation. Avatar’s ability to translate complex tax strategies into accessible, scroll-stopping content has been instrumental in expanding AE Tax Advisors’ reach and attracting new clients nationwide. His work ensures the firm stays top-of-mind for business owners and high-income professionals seeking proactive, forward-thinking tax guidance.

Ashik Zaman

Head of Development & Technology

Ashik Zaman is the Head of Development and Technology at AE Tax Advisors, where he oversees the firm’s entire digital infrastructure — from web platforms and client-facing applications to internal systems and automation workflows. With a strong background in full-stack development and a passion for building technology that solves real business problems, Ashik ensures that AE Tax Advisors operates on a modern, secure, and scalable tech foundation.

Ashik brings a builder’s mindset to everything he touches. Whether it’s architecting custom tools that streamline the client onboarding process, optimizing site performance for a seamless user experience, or integrating third-party platforms to improve internal efficiency, he approaches every project with precision and purpose. He understands that great technology should be invisible to the end user — it should simply work, and work well.

Beyond the code, Ashik plays a critical role in shaping the firm’s digital strategy. He collaborates closely with the advisory and marketing teams to ensure that technology decisions align with business goals, and he’s constantly evaluating new tools and frameworks to keep AE Tax Advisors ahead of the curve. His technical leadership has been essential in scaling the firm’s operations and delivering a best-in-class digital experience for clients.