Carter Ellis, CFP®, Founder

Having grown up in rural Virginia on over thirty acres, I spent many summers mowing grass and winters collecting firewood with my dad and brother. Early on, I learned the value of hard work and pride in a job well done. I developed a fascination with finance during the global economic crisis of 2008 as the real estate market crumbled and our family went through change.

I left the Blue Ridge mountains for the Bull City in 2014 after graduating from Virginia Tech with a B.S. in Finance and a concentration in Financial Planning. I spent over seven years as an investment research analyst and financial advisor at a Durham-based investment advisory firm, receiving the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ designation along the way. For three of those years, I was a partner of the firm. It was there that I learned the art of serving clients to help them achieve their specific goals.

In 2022, I founded Valley Peak Financial, LLC with a vision of creatively delivering a personalized client experience to achieve financial excellence. It is my privilege to share in people’s stories, helping them to walk through the valleys and reach for the peaks.

In our free time, my lovely wife Lindsay and I enjoy getting outside with our three kids, serving at our church, and daydreaming about our next family trip.

Matt James, Associate Advisor

As a Durham native, I grew up enjoying the local hotspots and various activities in the Research Triangle Park. After graduating from Riverside High School, I attended Gettysburg College in Pennsylvania and graduated with degrees in Economics and Public Policy. 

In college, I developed a fascination with market functionality, economic forces, and how they impacted people’s lives. That fascination, combined with a passion of helping others and learning their stories, led me to business consulting before pursuing my passion for personal finance. I joined my first advisory company in Virginia and passed FINRA’s Uniform Investment Adviser Law Examination in January of 2024 before beginning working with Valley Peak in 2025.

In my free time, I enjoy traveling with friends, exploring local restaurants, and enjoying North Carolina’s trails, parks, and beaches.

Tracy Zimmermann, Operations Coordinator

Having spent nearly two decades in the financial services industry, I have built my career around supporting advisors and helping clients navigate important financial decisions. Over the years, I have worked in a variety of roles, including serving as a FINRA-registered representative, but I have found that my greatest strengths lie in creating exceptional client experiences and helping ensure that every detail is handled with care.

My passion for service began long before my financial services career. After earning an Associate Degree in Hospitality Management, I developed a client-focused approach that continues to guide my work today. I joined Valley Peak as Operations Coordinator, where I assist with client onboarding and operational support to help create a seamless experience for both clients and advisors.

Outside of work, I enjoy traveling, testing my knowledge at trivia nights, and spending time with family and friends. I am the proud mother of three children and stay active in my community through volunteer work and organizing school events. As a longtime PTA volunteer and current PTA President at my son's school, I enjoy bringing people together to support students and families. You'll also often find me cheering on the Carolina Hurricanes throughout hockey season.

Matthew Everson, Partner

A native of the Triangle, I was born in Durham, grew up in Carrboro, and now reside in Chapel Hill. I have seen the Triangle grow and learned the importance of thriving local businesses that provide growth and economic opportunities for all.

After graduating from UNC-Chapel Hill with a B.A. in Mathematics and Political Science then attending Duke University to obtain a M.A. in Economics, I launched and ran multiple small businesses and non-profits. While some were successful and some were not, I learned invaluable lessons of what is needed to lead a business while keeping the accounting and operations running smoothly.

Putting that to use, for the past four years, I have served as a controller to other businesses providing fractional accounting and consulting services to help business owners and leaders thrive.

In my free time, my wife Allison and I go rock climbing with our daughter and serve at our church.

Matt Sherman, CPA, Partner

I am originally from New York and grew up in South Florida. From real estate brokers to retail, many in my family were self-employed business owners. As my career grew and developed, family and friends sought out my tax advice. I quickly learned that the combination of quality tax knowledge and service can be vital for any business endeavor.

After earning my Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from University of Central Florida, I earned my Masters in Tax and Accounting from NOVA Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. I moved to Maryland where I became a licensed Certified Public Accountant, working in Corporate, Audit, and Tax for many years. In 2011, I started my own tax practice. I joined Valley Peak Tax & Accounting in the summer of 2025, and I’m excited to bring my passion and tax services to the firm.

My goal is to ensure that my clients understand the facts so they will make the most informed decisions possible.

I’m a proud Dad to my two daughters, and husband to my loving and supportive wife Erin. I enjoy Golf, CrossFit, and I’m a lifelong NFL and College Football fan. I’m also a Dad-Chef/Foodie and lifelong musician, with my primary instruments being drums and percussion.

I look forward to working with you.

Elisabeth Barnes, Staff Accountant

Originally from Pennsylvania, I have good memories growing up of helping my Dad in our garden and getting paid to “pick rock” for a quarter a bucket. He instilled in me the value of hard work, critical thinking and problem-solving.

I took a few accounting classes in high school and went on to get a B.S. in accounting from Grace College in Winona Lake, Indiana. After graduation, I’ve served in a variety of roles at several non-profit organizations, helping with accounting, finance systems and operations, and strategic leadership planning. I especially enjoyed project managing and implementing accounting, payroll, and CRM systems to increase efficiency and timely reporting across departments.

I joined Valley Peak Financial in 2026, after moving to North Carolina, where I look forward to helping clients feel heard and supported and providing the reliable information they need to make timely decisions.  

Outside of work, my husband Andrew and I enjoy hiking, reading, hospitality, and being a part of our church. I can also be found planning our next trip to see friends or talking with an ESL student to help practice English. 

Zien He, CPA, Senior Tax Accountant

I am a licensed CPA in New York, specializing in taxation. I hold a Master degree in Accounting from the University of Arizona and a Master degree in Finance from the University of Florida, which together provide a strong technical foundation for complex tax analysis and compliance work.

My work centers on delivering accurate, timely, and well‑supported tax solutions. I focus on federal and state compliance, research‑based issue resolution, and clear communication to help clients navigate evolving tax requirements with confidence. I value precision, integrity, and a collaborative approach in every engagement.

I look forward to working with you.

Jessie Johnson, Staff Accountant

As a Southern North Carolina native, growing up in the country, I learned early on the value of hard work and integrity. While opportunities were limited in my small-town upbringing, my family instilled in me a strong work ethic and the importance of honesty in all endeavors.

Finance came naturally to me, and I excelled in school, which led me to graduate from Fayetteville State University in 2019 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting. Since graduating, I’ve spent the last five years working as an accountant, developing a well-rounded skill set and the ability to navigate real-world accounting challenges.

In 2025, I moved to the Triangle area, where I discovered Valley Peak Tax & Accounting. I’m excited to bring my expertise in financial analysis and business accounting to the team and help clients manage their finances with confidence and clarity.

With a passion for finance, I’m dedicated to providing reliable, accurate services tailored to each client’s needs. Whether it’s personal or business accounting, my goal is to help clients achieve their financial objectives through transparent and dependable solutions.

In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, riding my ATV, and exploring new places through travel.

Alan Reznikov, CPA, Tax Operations Lead

I am a Certified Public Accountant and Tax Operations Lead at Valley Peak Tax & Accounting, with a Master of Science in Taxation and a passion for helping clients understand complex tax and financial matters. Originally from New York City and Colorado, I earned both my B.B.A. in Accounting and Master's degree in Taxation from Baruch College in New York City.

Prior to joining Valley Peak, I spent several years as an entrepreneur in the sales and technology industry. That experience gave me firsthand insight into the challenges business owners face and continues to shape my practical, solutions-oriented approach to client service. Today, I work with individuals, business owners, and families to navigate tax compliance, planning opportunities, and complex tax matters with confidence.

I have always enjoyed taking complex concepts that come naturally to me and helping others understand them in a way that feels approachable and actionable. One of the most rewarding parts of my work is helping clients feel informed, supported, and relieved knowing they have a trusted advisor in their corner. I also have a strong interest in technology and automation, and I believe these tools can create more time for meaningful client relationships and strategic advice when used thoughtfully.

Outside of work, I enjoy app development, pickleball, and spending time with my three young daughters. I love calling North Carolina home and appreciate both its natural beauty and the kindness of its people.

Eitan Rothman, Senior Staff Accountant

I grew up in Israel with a lifelong passion for finance, rooted in tracking investments, calculating valuations, and asking how businesses can be worth more than they are on paper. That curiosity led me to study Business and Political Science at Ben Gurion University and Accounting at Tel Aviv University, and eventually to a career spanning investment management, auditing, tax planning and optimization, and controller advisory work.

In 2025, my wife's career brought our family to the Durham-Raleigh area, and I joined Valley Peak to do what I have always loved: helping business owners understand their numbers, make smarter decisions, and build something more valuable. Because I come from both an investment and accounting background, I tend to look at a business as an asset to grow, not just a set of books to close. I am currently pursuing my CPA.

Outside of work, I love playing tennis and spending time with my wife and kids.

I look forward to working with you.

Makala Wright, Client Services Specialist

I grew up in a small rural town in North Carolina, where my family taught me the importance of hard work and determination. These values carried me to NC State University, where I competed as a student‑athlete. Drawn to business operations, I went on to earn both my Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and a Master’s in Marketing Analytics from NC State.
I joined Valley Peak in 2026, where I serve as a friendly and reliable point of contact for clients. Whether assisting with onboarding or helping clients connect with the right team member, I strive to make every interaction clear and welcoming.

Outside of work, I enjoy exploring the Triangle area, hiking local trails, reading, and relaxing at home with my cat, Luna.