Forvis Mazars, LLP, ranked among the largest public accounting and consulting firms in the United States, celebrated Rachel Ormsby and Justin Metcalfe as the winners of the Key Award—the organization’s highest honor—during the 2026 VISION conference held in Orlando, Florida.
The Key Award is given annually to one partner and one team member who exemplify the firm’s unique culture and values. These honorees lead by example and bring the firm’s purpose to life as they help their colleagues, clients, and communities prepare for what’s next.
Ormsby and Metcalfe were selected from among hundreds of nominations submitted by team members across Forvis Mazars US. As in prior years, the selection process recognized individuals who demonstrate exceptional leadership, impact, and dedication to the firm’s people and culture.
“This year’s recipients represent the very best of Forvis Mazars,” said CEO Tom Watson. “Rachel and Justin consistently demonstrate what it means to lead with integrity, invest in others, and deliver an Unmatched Client Experience. They embody our collective commitment to being builders and creating opportunities that help unlock the full potential of our people, our clients, and our firm.”
About the Honorees
Rachel Ormsby, this year’s partner honoree, is the national industry leader for the firm’s Public Sector Practice. She plays a critical role in advancing growth, strengthening relationships, and delivering meaningful outcomes for clients. Through her leadership, Ormsby drives strong engagement and measurable growth while fostering a collaborative, high-performing environment.
Colleagues consistently recognize Ormsby’s dedication to developing talent and elevating others. She creates opportunities for emerging professionals, encourages early involvement in client work, and provides the support needed to help others succeed. In nomination materials, colleagues emphasized her ability to connect with people and inspire growth across teams. “Rachel consistently helps those she serves—both internally and externally—unlock their full potential by intentionally developing and advocating for others,” said one nominator. Another noted that “everyone who works with Rachel Ormsby is better because of it.”
In her acceptance speech, Ormsby noted that her family and rural Texas upbringing taught her the value of hard work, the importance of treating others with kindness, and the importance of doing the right thing even when it costs you something. She cited an unforgettable lesson from a coach as a principle that still guides her professional work: pain is temporary, but pride is forever.
“Discomfort fades. The struggle passes. But how you show up in those moments is what matters most,” she said. “The effort you give when no one is watching, the integrity you hold when it would be easier to take shortcuts, the standard you refuse to lower when the stakes are high: that doesn’t just shape the outcome. It shapes you.”
She urged her colleagues to keep this mindset as they focus on stewardship of the firm for the next generation of leaders: “What we build only matters if it lifts others and leaves something better behind than what we started with.”
Justin Metcalfe, this year’s team member honoree, is a director for the firm’s International Tax team and a recognized leader in technical excellence and strategic execution.
Metcalfe has been instrumental in leading the firm’s Pillar Two initiative, building a scalable, firmwide capability to address complex global regulations. His leadership has helped align cross-functional teams and position Forvis Mazars as a leader in a rapidly evolving area of international tax. “There is not a technical issue I’ve encountered that I can’t call him about—he’ll drop everything to talk me through it and help me grow,” said one nominator.
Beyond his technical contributions, Metcalfe is widely respected as a mentor and trusted advisor. He shares knowledge, develops tools to support colleagues, and invests in helping others grow and succeed. “He is helping shape a strong foundation for future growth and positioning the firm for continued success,” said another nominator.
In his remarks to colleagues, Metcalfe shared a story of personal growth fueled by people who “saw something in me I didn’t even know was there yet,” including his wife, Christi, and numerous mentors and teammates at the firm.
He thanked his family for their love and support, especially his grandfather—an immigrant who rebuilt his life in Miami following the Cuban Revolution. Metcalfe said that his grandfather was successful in the face of adversity because he, too, was the kind of person others needed, often before they even realized it. This is the kind of support that helps build people up, he said, both personally and professionally.
“If there’s one thing I hope to carry forward, and hopefully pass on to someone else, it’s this,” he said. “Be that person for someone else. Be the voice you needed when you were still figuring things out. See potential before there’s proof. Because you never know, you may just change someone’s entire life.”
About Forvis Mazars
Forvis Mazars, LLP is an independent member of Forvis Mazars Global, a leading global professional services network. Ranked among the largest public accounting firms in the United States, the firm’s 7,000 dedicated team members provide an Unmatched Client Experience® through the delivery of assurance, tax, and consulting services for clients in all 50 states and internationally through the global network. Visit forvismazars.us to learn more.
