Forvis Mazars, LLP, ranked among the largest public accounting and consulting firms in the United States, celebrated Adam Smith and Holly Reavis as the winners of the Key Award—the organization’s highest honor—during the 2024 VISION conference held in Orlando, Florida this week.
The Key Award is given annually to one partner and one team member who exemplify the firm’s cultural DNA. These honorees lead by example and bring the firm’s purpose and values to life as they unlock the potential of their colleagues, clients, and communities.
Smith and Reavis were chosen from hundreds of nominations submitted by team members across Forvis Mazars US, which recently marked the launch of a new global network and worldwide brand on June 1.
“With so many amazing nominations, it was difficult to choose just two professionals as our Key Award recipients,” CEO Tom Watson told an audience of some 2,000 team members at a recognition dinner. “Ultimately, tonight’s honorees stood out for exemplifying what it means to Be Bold; and for the many ways in which they provide an Unmatched Client Experience, support others in times of change, and inspire their colleagues as role models.”
About the honorees
Adam Smith is an audit partner based in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He leads the Education Center of Excellence within the firm’s Education Practice. He has been with Forvis Mazars since 2004 and is known across the country for his dedication to working closely with his clients on accounting, regulatory, compliance, systems development, and other strategic issues.
In nominating him for the Key Award, Smith’s colleagues commended his commitment to their personal and career growth, passion for helping higher education clients unlock their full potential, and a level of expertise that has helped elevate Forvis Mazars into a leading position in the marketplace. “He coaches a number of individuals and is always pushing us to excel and to contribute to building the team and our practice, and he provides a lot of encouragement along the way,” said one.
In his acceptance speech, Smith expressed his gratitude to friends, family, and colleagues, and outlined the importance of teamwork and the power of the firm’s culture, noting that he takes great pride in working for a firm so dedicated to its people.
“We are part of an incredible firm, surrounded by remarkable people, and set up in a system designed to unlock potential,” he said. “I see, daily, people across the firm living our DNA and showing up. Thank you for embodying our values and your commitment to our profound purpose and mission.”
Holly Reavis is a director in the Healthcare Consulting practice based in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. She provides a wide range of services to healthcare clients and serves as the operations manager for the firm’s national reimbursement team. Reavis began working for Forvis Mazars in 2007 as an intern. In recent years, she has turned her attention to serving internal stakeholders by leading complex integration processes.
In nominating her for the Key Award, Reavis’ colleagues praised her extensive industry knowledge, unfailing responsiveness to teammates, and ability to lead complex integration projects to successful outcomes. “She was absolutely her Best Self in every interaction and calmly helped us Operate as One Firm,” said one.
During her acceptance speech, Reavis detailed the three pillars of her life—faith, family, and firm. She shared a story of adversity and detailed how that experience shaped her into a better leader and stronger person. She emphasized the importance of the firm’s culture and its lasting impact on the future.
“Approach each day with gratitude,” implored Reavis. “Find the good in every day and build a legacy of resilience and compassion by serving others, extending grace, and being a helper to your families, your communities, and your clients.”
For more information about The Forvis Mazars Way and the firm’s cultural DNA, go to forvismazars.us/about-us.
