Xero Awards US 2026 Judges
Meet the guest judges
We’re pleased to introduce the distinguished judges for this year’s Xero Awards.
Kelvin Gieck
Managing Director at Twenty Eighty
I’ve always loved business, technology, numbers and just generally helping people. Seeing those collide everyday, and the impact that they can have on someone else is truly amazing. It’s what makes this a real passion for me. My other world revolves around my wife and three kids. We’re often swimming in the lake, skating outside or going for bike rides at the local bike park.
Kelvin and the Twenty Eighty team were winners of the 2025 Xero Partner Awards in Canada for the Large Firm of the Year category.
Pat Poli
Associate Professor at Fairfield University
Patricia M. Poli, Ph.D. CPA, is Associate Professor Emerita of Accounting at the Dolan School of Business, Fairfield University. She has served as faculty advisor to the Iota Psi Chapter of Beta Alpha Psi for more than 20 years. Pat served as the Chapter Advocate for the Atlantic Coast region. She served on the Board of Directors of Beta Alpha Psi, having chaired its 2011 Annual Meeting.
Pat has been involved in many professional and educational organizations, including council member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), and member of the Board of Governors and President of the Connecticut Society of CPAs. Pat served as faculty advisor to Beta Gamma Sigma. She served on the American Accounting Association (AAA) Board of Directors as its Director-Focusing on Segments and as a member of the AAA Council and its Chair. Pat also served as President of the Northeast Region of the AAA.
Pat received her BS in accounting from the University of Connecticut and a Ph.D. from New York University.
Liz Scott
Accountant Writer and Trainer at Accounting Lifeline
Liz Scott is a multi-business entrepreneur working to bring together technology and accountants through her business, Liz Scott Consulting. She is a member of Intuit Trainer / Writer Network and has authored/taught Master level courses including Advisory Guides and Consulting Tools for Accountants.
In addition to Liz Scott Consulting, she also owns Accounting Lifeline, a firm to serve small businesses with their financial needs.
Liz is a co-host of the Appy Hour helping other accountants learn about the different tools and apps for small business needs.
Liz has a passion for real estate investment and also owns properties throughout Oklahoma. She stays heads down with a heart to serve others and help them grow.
Joe Woodard
CEO at Woodard
Joe Woodard is the CEO of Woodard®, a company that empowers accountants and business advisors through education, coaching, resources, and consulting services, with a particular focus on Client Advisory Services (CAS). Woodard equips professionals to modernize their practices, optimize accounting software, and expand their reach.
Joe has trained over 150,000 professionals, is a published author, and hosts the Scaling New Heights® conference. He has been recognized by Accounting Today as one of the Top 100 Most Influential People in accounting since 2014. Joe also publishes The Woodard Report™, which reaches over 100,000 readers annually.
Meet the Xero judges
Vijeyta Aggarwal
Director of Product - AI
Matan Bar
CEO - Xero US
Andrew Kanzer
Managing Director - US
Jeff Hazard
Vice President of Sales - United States
Short-form rules
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Void where prohibited. Open only to legal residents of the 50 U.S./D.C.,18 years of age or older, who are part of an accounting or bookkeeping practice or firm that held a Xero partner or business edition subscription between 4/1/25–3/31/26. Contest begins at 9:00 a.m. ET on 5/11/26 and ends at 11:59:59 p.m. ET on 6/22/26. Limit one (1) Submission per Award Category per person/firm. Subject to Official Rules, including judging criteria, prize details, and restrictions, see xero.com/us/events/xero-awards/2026/terms-conditions. Sponsor: Xero, Inc., 1875 South Grant Street, Suite #640, San Mateo, CA 94402