RSM Expands National Tax Technology Consulting Team

CHICAGO – (December 14, 2020) – RSM US LLP (“RSM”) – the nation’s leading provider of audit, tax and consulting services focused on the middle market – announced today an expansion of its national tax technology consulting team. Lauren Demas and Michael Polan joined the firm as partners, and Patty Esslinger, Warsame Mohamud and David Schwartz joined as senior directors.

Demas and Polan will help lead RSM’s partnership technology services (PTS) group and focus on the development of PartnerSight^®, the firm’s new platform that enables complex partnerships to efficiently manage compliance and reporting requirements while crystallizing insights that guide investment strategies and investor transactions. Esslinger, Mohamud, and Schwartz also will support the development of and go-to-market strategies for PartnerSight, which headlines RSM’s budding portfolio of technological capabilities for the middle market.

“Lauren and Michael are all-stars who fit so well into our growing team because of their complementary work experience,” said Brad Collins, PTS leader at RSM US LLP. “Lauren was both a tax leader at one of the largest private equity firms on the planet and also served several in a consultative capacity. She brings the voice of the client and the industry knowledge that will continue to enhance our go-to-market strategy for PartnerSight. Michael's extensive industry experience designing, developing, and delivering tax technology will elevate how we customize the PartnerSight platform for each client.”

“RSM is transforming the client experience with tax technology and deep expertise,” said E.J. Nedder, national tax leader with RSM US LLP. “With Brad’s strong leadership and the addition of these exceptional team members, we are uniquely positioned to help our clients in new and innovative ways.”

Demas brings 19 years of experience to RSM, having spent her career in the private equity sector as a client and provider of consulting services. After starting her career in public accounting, she spent 12 years at a global investment firm, where her responsibilities included running U.S. tax compliance, consulting on deal structuring, and reorganization related to the firm’s initial public offering. Afterward, she served as a consultant to a Big Four accounting firm and its clients in asset management. She focused on growing the compliance and consulting client base through technology implementation and process optimization. She has a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in accounting from James Madison University. Demas is located in RSM’s McLean office.

“RSM’s focus on developing new tax technologies has created a contagious energy that I wanted to be part of,” Demas said. “The opportunity to help our team develop PartnerSight to help our clients is very exciting.”

Polan brings to RSM two decades of experience working with hedge funds, regulated investment companies, and private equity funds. His 13 years at Big Four accounting firms and seven years at third-party accounting administrators enriched his perspective on the accounting, reporting, operations, and capabilities of multiple enterprise and proprietary platforms. His tax specialties include the taxation of investments, partnership allocations, and the technology necessary to calculate the tax implications of securities trading and partnership allocations. Polan has a bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Delaware and a master’s in taxation from Widener University. Polan is located in RSM’s Philadelphia office.

“Collaborating with clients and our team to develop PartnerSight and other technologies will be rewarding,” Polan said. “We are going to help a lot of businesses.”

“Our clients are enjoying considerable growth and need instantaneous access to data for real-time analysis and decision-making insights,” said Matt Bradvica, national business tax leader with RSM US LLP. “PartnerSight steps in where other platforms struggle to deliver. It ensures our clients always have access to real-time analytics, dynamic organizational charts, and insightful visualizations. I am thrilled to welcome these new team members. Their industry and client experience in combination with this tremendous technology will be a home run for our clients.”

Esslinger will focus on integrating PartnerSight into RSM’s family office technology offering and building a holistic family office technology platform. She has more than 21 years of experience serving multigenerational family offices, high-net-worth individuals, and private companies and their business owners. She is adept at all areas of strategic advising, planning, and compliance within tax, gift, and estate planning, trusts, charities, and closely held businesses. Esslinger is located in RSM’s Chicago office.

Mohamud will support the development of PartnerSight and help shape RSM’s overall tax technology go-to-market strategy. He has more than 18 years of experience in product management, project management, software development, agile methodologies, and organizational strategy. He has extensive client management experience in Big Four accounting firms supporting national and international financial institutions. Mohamud has also led large initiatives for the federal government across multiple agencies and departments. He is located in RSM’s McLean office.  

Schwartz will focus on delivering PartnerSight to financial services and family office clients in the Northeast region. He brings to RSM 20 years of experience in public accounting, specifically the professional and financial services industries, including both private and public companies. He has experience in branding, marketing, and implementing new tax software applications. He consults with partnerships and entities with partnerships in their structure to analyze and optimize people, process, technology, and data in the tax compliance process. Schwartz is located in RSM’s New York City office.

“Patty, Warsame, and Dave fill out this team so spectacularly with their deep knowledge and experience,” Collins said. “I couldn’t ask for a more experienced and complementary team. As we continue to grow with these extremely talented individuals, I’m excited just thinking about what else we can accomplish and deliver to our clients.”