Lingo Named AAM’s 2026 Business Developer of the Year
May 21 | Lexington, KY – The Association for Accounting Marketing (AAM) is proud to announce Melissa Lingo, Business Development Manager at James Moore & Co., as the 2026 Business Developer of the Year. Recognizing excellence in business development innovation, growth leadership, and client and prospect development, this award honors Melissa’s transformative impact on the firm’s construction segment.
In just three years within public accounting, she has built a disciplined, strategic approach to business development that has driven a 427% increase in new business and more than doubled total segment revenue. Her ability to align sales strategy with firmwide growth priorities has positioned the construction practice as a high-performing, advisory-driven engine.
Melissa’s success is rooted in her innovative approach to business development and her ability to lead growth through both process and people. By implementing a structured, consultative sales methodology and embedding it across the team, she has elevated how the team identifies opportunities, engages prospects, and converts relationships into long-term value. She has strengthened pipeline discipline, increased deal size, and expanded advisory services, while also coaching partners and emerging leaders to build confidence and capability in business development. As one colleague shared, “Her ability to guide professionals through the business development process—from relationship building to developing opportunities—is truly exceptional,” with many experiencing significant growth in their own results through her leadership.
Equally impactful is Melissa’s commitment to client and prospect development, grounded in a relationship-first mindset. She is known for deeply understanding client needs, fostering strong referral networks, and connecting prospects with the right expertise to deliver meaningful outcomes. Stacy Dreher, Chief Growth Officer at James Moore & Co., adds, “She embodies what a modern, industry-focused, advisory-driven business developer should look like.” Through her strategic vision, innovative mindset, and measurable impact, Melissa Lingo exemplifies the very best in business development and is a highly deserving recipient of the 2026 AAM Business Developer of the Year Award.
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The Association for Accounting Marketing (AAM) is the leading community for marketers, business developers, and other growth strategists. The association was formed in 1989 to elevate the profession and advance the careers of growth professionals in the accounting profession through education, community, thought leadership and leading-edge resources. Learn more about AAM at www.accountingmarketing.org.