Meet the Judges of the Inaugural IrishCentral Finance Awards 2026
IrishCentral is proud to announce the judging panel for the inaugural IrishCentral Finance Awards 2026, a new awards program celebrating excellence, leadership, and innovation across the Irish and Irish-American financial community.
The IrishCentral Finance Awards 2026 will take place on Thursday, March 5, 2026, at the prestigious American Irish Historical Society in New York City, bringing together senior leaders from across banking, investment, asset management, fintech, insurance, and financial services for an evening of recognition and networking.
Our judges represent a distinguished group of finance professionals and community leaders who bring deep expertise, integrity, and a strong connection to the Irish-American community.
Maria Hehir
Finance Leader and Irish America Honoree
Maria Hehir, Finance Leader and Irish America Honoree.
Maria Hehir is a highly regarded finance professional and Irish America Wall Street 50 honoree. She is recognised for her leadership, strategic insight, and long-standing contribution to the financial services industry, as well as her active engagement within the Irish-American business community.
Robert Cleere
Director, PwC Deals Advisory
Robert Cleere, Director, PwC Deals Advisory.
Robert Cleere is a Director in PwC’s Deals Advisory practice, specialising in mergers and acquisitions. A Wall Street 50 honoree, Robert brings deep experience in transaction strategy, valuation, and advisory services across complex financial environments.
Sean O’Dowd
Finance Executive and Community Leader
Sean O’Dowd is an accomplished finance professional and Irish America honoree with a strong record of leadership, mentorship, and community involvement. His experience across financial services and commitment to supporting emerging talent make him a valuable voice on the judging panel.
Sean Gaffey
Finance Professional and Ambassador, Cooperation Ireland
Sean Gaffey, Finance Professional and Ambassador, Cooperation Ireland.
Sean Gaffey is a respected finance professional and an Ambassador for Cooperation Ireland, a charity focused on building positive relationships across Ireland and the Irish diaspora. His combination of financial expertise and civic leadership brings an important community perspective to the judging process.
Brian C. Smith
Co-Founder & Chief Operating Officer, Bayberry Capital Partners
Brian C. Smith, Co-Founder & Chief Operating Officer, Bayberry Capital Partners.
Brian C. Smith is Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of Bayberry Capital Partners, an equity long/short hedge fund. A first-time Irish America Wall Street 50 honoree, Brian oversees all non-investment operations at the firm. He also brings a unique background in public service and civic leadership, having served as Mayor of Irvington, New York.
The IrishCentral Finance Awards 2026 will recognise outstanding achievement across categories including:
Lifetime Achievement Award
Dealmaker of the Year
Insurance Leader of the Year
Trader of the Year
Rising Star in Finance
Excellence in Client Services
Banking Leader of the Year
CFO of the Year
The judges will play a crucial role in reviewing nominations and selecting honourees who exemplify excellence, integrity, leadership, and service within the Irish-American finance community.
Nominations now open
Know an Irish or Irish-American finance leader who deserves to be recognised for their impact, leadership, or innovation?
👉 Submit a nomination here
👉 Learn more about the Awards, categories, and event details
Nominations are open now, and submissions are encouraged from colleagues, peers, organisations, and community members who wish to help spotlight the leaders shaping the future of finance.
