Honoring Kansas' Business Legacy, Inspiring Tomorrow’s Leaders

Kansas Business Hall of Fame

Mary J. McCann

Mary Jo McCann was born in 1920 in Iola, KS. In 1941, she graduated from the University of Kansas Business School at the top of her class. After her graduation, McCann passed her CPA exam and joined a local accounting firm in Kansas City, making her the first certified female CPA in the state of Kansas. That local firm merged into what is now Deloitte and Touche. Mary Jo McCann was promoted to manager of Touche Ross’ Kansas City office in 1962.  In 1969, she became the first female partner to be promoted through the ranks at Touche Ross and the first female partner at any Big Eight firm. McCann retired 20 years later as a member of the partnership.  

Mary Jo McCann served in many leadership positions in various organizations including co-founding a local chapter of the American Society of Women Accountants in 1951. She was also the national president of the American Woman’s society of CPAs. Some of the other organizations that she was actively involved in includes the Women’s Chamber of Commerce of Kansas City, Siena Club, the School of Business at the University of Kansas, the Finance Committee at St. Joseph Hospital, the Missouri Society of CPAs, the Board of Trustees at Avila College, and the Administrative Council at St. Lawrence Catholic Campus Center.  

Mary Jo McCann passed away peacefully in July, 2011. She leaves behind a legacy of great leadership and service. Mary Jo McCann was a pioneer for women in the business world and was a lifelong supporter of the Kansas City community. 

2024 historical Winner