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Professional 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 & Certifications

  • Ed.D.
  • MBA

Professional Experience

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

Education

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