In her role as the partner-in-charge of Aronson's Government Contract Services Group, Alexandra "Lexy" Kessler, CPA, CGMA, connects her clients with the solutions, resources, and contacts that they need to succeed in an ever-changing government landscape. With a reputation for candor and the ability to get to the heart of any issue, her clients rely upon her straightforward answers to complex business issues. Lexy's extensive expertise in assurance, tax, and consulting allows her to help clients balance the challenges and opportunities inherent to the business of being a government contractor. With more than 30 years of experience, she has been instrumental in growing her practice area into one of the most well-known and respected government contracting service providers in the country, and she is always looking for new ways to reinvent and improve upon the way they serve their diverse client base. As a leader in her practice area and a former member of Aronson's Board of Directors, she also helps drive Aronson's overall strategic direction and growth objectives. Lexy's reputation as a top expert in her field is part of the personal brand that makes her so popular on the speaker circuit. She is frequently sought as a lecturer at industry events, and she has made presentations to commercial organizations and banking institutions on issues related to government contracting. Additionally, she is a sought-out speaker nationally, speaking at conferences on the firm of the future and changing business models. As a thought leader in her field, Lexy has provided interviews and expert commentary to such media outlets as the Wall Street Journal, Federal News Radio, Law360, and Federal Times. Lexy is a passionate champion for the accounting profession and the next generation of leadership. Previously serving as the first female chairman of Aronson's Board of Directors, she advocates for women to pursue leadership roles. In 2021, Lexy was elected 2021-22 Chair of the Board of Directors for the MACPA. Lexy has served on expert panels for AICPA national conferences where she spoke on topics such as the firm of the future and women in leadership. Active in her community, she also plays an enthusiastic role on several professional, academic, and nonprofit boards across the Washington, D.C. metro area. Lexy's efforts have not gone unnoticed. In 2020, Lexy was recognized as one of the Top 20 Most Powerful Women in Accounting by AICPA, as well as Maryland's Top 100 Women by The Daily Record. In 2014, Lexy received the MACPA's "Women to Watch" award, which honored her as a trailblazer who has advanced to the highest levels of management and mentored those following in her footsteps. In 2013, she received the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce's Chairman's Award for her efforts in helping businesses connect and gain access to federal, state, and local government procurements and adopt best business practices in accounting. _PROFESSIONAL _& COMMUNITY_ INVOLVEMENT:_ * Maryland Association of Certified Public Accountants (MACPA): 2021-22 Chair of Board of Directors * Aronson LLC: Former Chairman of the Board * Association of International Certified Professional Accountants (AICPA): Member-at-Large & Private Companies Practice Section (PCPS) Chair * Choral Arts Society of Washington: Chair * Marymount University: Board of Trustees * University of Maryland Robert H. Smith School of Business: Former Advisory Board Member * Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce (MCCC): Executive Committee Member & Government Contracts Council Vice Chair * Professional Services Council (PSC): Treasurer & Executive Committee _AWARDS:_ * Top 20 Most Powerful Women in Accounting, American Institute of CPAs (AICPA), 2020 * Maryland's Top 100 Women, The Daily Record, 2020 & 2018 * Women to Watch, Maryland Association of Certified Public Accountants (MACPA), 2014 * Chairman's Award, Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce (MCCC), 2013 _EDUCATION:_ * University of Maryland's Robert H. Smith School of Business: Bachelor of Science in Accounting