Kristin Winford

Biography

Kristin Winford is a senior operations executive with over 20 years of experience driving global professional services and strategic business transformation.

Recognized for her ability to galvanize teams around a shared vision, Kristin is known for devising innovative growth strategies, maximizing employee engagement, and streamlining operations to achieve lasting impact. She has led award-winning organizations through transformative change—aligning strategy, systems, and execution to achieve planned and profitable growth.

A proven change agent, Kristin has successfully implemented enterprise-wide initiatives that reduce costs, optimize performance, and elevate organizational capability. With a sharp eye for untapped opportunities, she consistently delivers forward-thinking strategies that propel companies—and their people—to the next level of success.

Credentials

• Ed.D.
• MBA

Professional Experience

• 2025 - Current | Chief Operating Officer | YA Group
• 2023 - 2025 | Global Head of Operations | Accordion
• 2016 - 2023 | Managing Principal, Strategic Planning and Operational Excellence | BDO, Advisory
• 2004 - 2015 | Chief Operating Office | Mesirow Financial Consulting
• 1999 - 2004 | Director of Operations | KPMG Advisory

Education

• Creighton University - Doctor of Education - Organizational Leadership - Omaha - Nebraska
• Arizona State University - Master of Business Administration - Phoenix - Arizona
• Southern Methodist University - Bachelor of Arts - Psychology - Dallas - Texas