- About Align
Meet Our Team
Over 20 years, Align has grown from a focused practice into a full specialty
tax firm built on collaboration, expertise, and trust, serving clients across
industries with solutions that improve cash flow and reduce tax liability. Get
to know the people behind that work.
Over 20 years, Align has grown from a focused practice into a full specialty tax firm built on collaboration, expertise, and trust, serving clients across industries with solutions that improve cash flow and reduce tax liability. Get to know the people behind that work.
The Align Tax Consulting Team
Ryan Stephenson
Managing Partner
As the Founder and Managing Partner of Align Consulting Group, Ryan leads the overall tax strategy for the firm. Stephenson focuses on providing a portfolio of tax incentives, deductions, and savings for Align clients; the comprehensive services could not be achieved without the expertise of the individual members of the Align team. His finance expertise, along with his detailed understanding of electrical and civil engineering standards, have created tangible value for Align’s customers, which translates into long-term tax savings.
Ryan started the firm in 2006 focused primarily on utility sales tax exemptions. He has since grown the firm to include additional tax types and services. His approach to working with customers is to handle each tax scenario, no matter the size, as if it were his own firm’s. He focuses on leading and mentoring the Align staff, along with providing exceptional customer service and timely responsiveness to the firm’s clients.
Stephenson earned a business degree from Indiana University, and an MBA in Finance from the University of Colorado. He lives on the south side of Indianapolis with his wife, Amanda, and their four children. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his family, exercising, traveling, and coaching his children’s sports teams.
Craig Fouts, CPA
Partner
Craig is a Partner and leads the Cost Segregation team, specializing in fixed asset consulting, including cost segregation studies, fixed asset reviews, and 179D and 45L studies. His responsibilities encompass overseeing Align’s daily operations and mentoring team members.
With experience managing over ten thousand cost segregation studies, ranging from modest six-figure acquisitions to multi-billion-dollar portfolios, Fouts has worked across industries such as multifamily, office complexes, manufacturing, auto dealerships, healthcare, hospitality, sports stadiums, and large-scale developments. Even in complex tax scenarios, his expertise enables him to design tailored fixed asset strategies that maximize deductions for Align’s clients.
Trust and transparency define Fouts’ client approach, ensuring optimal solutions and driving substantial savings.
Fouts holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting and management from Purdue University and is a Certified Public Accountant registered in Indiana.
Marcus Fehman
Partner - Strategic Partnerships
As a firm Partner and tenured leader, Marcus builds and nurtures Align’s alliance partnerships across the US. Since 2012, Fehman has been focused on developing strategic relationships, including prospective clients, referral sources, and other growth opportunities. This has been through a detailed understanding of key market trends and customer segments.
Fehman’s experience includes diverse roles in the sports and entertainment industry where he was responsible for maintaining key alliances with business leaders. He then spent five years with the Indiana Chamber of Commerce as Business Development Manager, obtaining knowledge of current business and state legislative issues while continually understanding the chamber’s positions on these and other legislative initiatives at the statehouse. These experiences and relationships have been instrumental in his role at Align.
Fehman earned a BS degree in Sport Administration and an MBA in Human Resource Management from Ball State University. He currently lives in Westfield, Indiana with his wife and two daughters.
Ryan Schnell
Partner - Operations
Ryan is a Partner and leads the Energy Services team. In this role, Ryan is responsible for managing new client relationships, overseeing the onboarding process, mentoring his team, and efficiently leading energy analysis to ensure timely completion without compromising the quality of services provided to clients. Under Ryan’s leadership, Align has experienced significant growth in the number of completed projects year after year.
Ryan’s educational background includes a double major in Accounting and Finance from Indiana University, Kelley School of Business. Following his graduation, Ryan embarked on a career in corporate accounting, working for a global restaurant company. He then transitioned into the role of financial analyst at a major hospital. However, Ryan’s passion for assisting small businesses in achieving their financial goals compelled him to leave the corporate environment behind.
Known for his meticulous attention to detail, Ryan’s commitment to leaving no stone unturned has proven instrumental in driving positive outcomes for his clients. His expertise in financial operations, combined with his strong analytical skills, has enabled him to provide valuable guidance and support for businesses of all sizes.
Outside of work, Ryan resides on the south side of Indianapolis, where he enjoys spending quality time with his dog, Remington, as well as his two nieces and nephew. In his leisure, he takes pleasure in traveling, outdoor activities, playing golf, and basketball.
Scott Ibbotson
Director - R&D Tax Credits
Scott leads the Research & Development Tax Credit practice at Align, where he helps businesses identify, document, and maximize valuable tax incentives. He works closely with clients to navigate complex R&D tax credit and Section 174 regulations, providing practical guidance that supports both compliance and long-term financial success. Scott is responsible for managing client relationships, overseeing project delivery, and helping clients develop strategies that align with their business objectives.
With more than a decade of experience in specialty tax consulting, Scott has advised companies ranging from emerging businesses to large multinational organizations across a variety of industries, including manufacturing, software, engineering, life sciences, and technology. Prior to joining Align, he held leadership roles with several national accounting and consulting firms, where he developed a reputation for delivering exceptional client service and helping organizations maximize the value of available tax incentives. His background as an attorney, combined with his technical tax expertise, allows him to simplify complex regulations and provide clients with clear, actionable solutions.
Scott earned his Juris Doctor, magna cum laude, from Michigan State University College of Law and holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Hope College. He lives in Austin, Texas, with his family. Outside of work, Scott enjoys distance running, traveling, and spending time at the ice rink or the pool with his daughter.
Tabatha Reid
Director of Accounting
Tabatha serves as Director of Accounting, where she is responsible for establishing and leading the firm’s accounting infrastructure. As Align’s dedicated accounting professional, Tabatha is building and formalizing processes for accounts receivable, accounts payable, monthly, quarterly, and annual close activities to support the firm’s continued growth and success.
With prior experience as an Assistant Director of Accounting in property management and a leadership background in the U.S. Navy, Tabatha brings a structured, disciplined approach to financial operations and process design.
Known for her ability to bring clarity and structure to evolving organizations, Tabatha is focused on creating scalable systems, improving operational efficiency, and ensuring financial accuracy and consistency across the firm.
Outside of work, Tabatha enjoys spending time with her family, staying active, and pursuing creative interests.
Amanda Stephenson
Director of Marketing
Amanda oversees all Marketing and External Communication initiatives for Align, in addition to managing special projects as they arise. With over 15 years of experience in the pharmaceutical, device, and healthcare industries, she brings a wealth of knowledge across various corporate roles. Her broad and varied roles in the corporate sector built a solid business foundation which included global operations, multi-brand launch strategy, and extensive marketing and market research experience.
She enjoys spending time with her husband and children, sideline cheering at their games/extracurriculars, and practicing yoga.
Jon Lally
Tax Advisor - Strategic Partnerships
As a Tax Advisor in Align’s Strategic Partnerships group, Jon strives to develop new client relationships and promote service offerings to prospective clients. Since 2016 Lally has worked with the sales team to define client and market segmentation and develop new partnerships. Lally’s thorough and detailed understanding of key market trends allows him to identify client growth opportunities.
Jon’s background includes various roles focused on sales and account management. Upon completion of his Bachelors of Science degree from Indiana University, Lally joined a custom furniture manufacturing company. He took a sales role with the company, and eventually as a National Sales Manager, helping them grow revenue across the US.
Lally currently lives on the Southside of Indianapolis with his wife and son. Lally enjoys spending time with his family and friends, and watching Colts football.
Conner Beagle
Tax Analyst - Operations
Conner joined Align as an Operations Consultant in the Energy Services group, primarily focused on utility sales tax. Conner manages individual accounts and helps ensure all utility studies are completed accurately and efficiently.
Conner brings experience in customer service, operations, maintenance, and technical support, with a strong focus on communications, problem-solving, and delivering quality results. His background has helped him develop a dependable, team-oriented approach in fast-paced environments.
Conner enjoys learning new technologies and working with others to improve processes and solve challenges. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with friends and family, golfing, fishing, and working out.
Gabe Jamell
Tax Analyst - Operations
Gabe started at Align as an Operations Consultant in January of 2023. Gabe plays a key role, specializing in utility sales tax studies and cost segregation projects. His thorough work and excellent client communications ensures accurate and optimized financial results.
After four years of experience in customer service, managing a team, and machine operation, he wanted to continue to help and serve people, while expanding his knowledge of business along the way. Gabe is a passionate, energetic young professional with an entrepreneurial mindset.
He graduated from Cathedral High School in Indianapolis in 2021. He enjoys many hobbies which include flying planes, golfing, fishing, motorcycle riding, and most importantly, spending time with family.
Braden Parks
Tax Analyst - Operations
Braden joined Align as an Operations Consultant in our Energy Services group, primarily focused on utility sales tax. Braden manages individual accounts and ensures all utility studies are completed accurately.
Braden Graduated from Purdue University with a BS in Psychology. While studying at Purdue he also worked as an Account Analyst for their Nuclear and Industrial Engineering Business Office.
Braden enjoys working with other people and has a strong desire to learn new technologies. He loves spending time with family, traveling, playing sports, and watching movies.
Kelley Abbott
Senior Director
Kelley is a results-driven business development and customer success professional recognized for creating meaningful client partnerships, driving revenue growth, and helping organizations maximize valuable tax incentive opportunities. With a unique blend of experience in business development, finance, and client success, she effectively bridges the gap between complex technical solutions and strategic business objectives.
Throughout her career, she has collaborated with companies and CPA firms to identify and capture tax savings opportunities, including R&D Tax Credits, Cost Segregation studies, SALT strategies, and 179D deductions. Her consultative approach, combined with a deep understanding of the client’s lifecycle, enables her to deliver exceptional experiences while building long-term relationships founded on trust, transparency, and results.
Known for her ability to translate complex financial and tax concepts into practical business solutions, she helps clients confidently navigate opportunities that strengthen their bottom line. Driven by a passion for client success, she consistently uncovers growth opportunities, delivers measurable value, and empowers organizations to make informed decisions that support long term success.
Outside of her professional career, she loves spending time with her husband and children, traveling, and discovering new places. Whether it’s a family vacation or a weekend adventure, she values making memories, building connections, and enjoying life’s experiences.
Bayley Schoettle
Tax Analyst - Operations
Bayley joined Align in Summer ’26 as an intern. Bayley will graduate from the Kelley School of Business with a BS in Finance and Real Estate and will join the team full-time as an Operations Consultant, primarily focused on Cost Segregation. Bayley enjoys working and collaborating with others while also striving to enhance the capabilities of the workplace processes that are in place. He enjoys spending time with family and friends whether that be golfing, watching sports, TV shows and movies, or going to the lake in the summer.
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