Lucy Krebsbach, Freshman, Home School (Meriden), on Charles Walker

Highlights of the Ceremony


The ceremony featured introductory remarks by Dr. John Rich, Executive Director of the Kansas Business Hall of Fame, Dr. Ed Bashaw, Dean of ESU’s School of Business and Technology, Dr. James Leiker, Chairman of the KBHF Board of Directors, and Kayla Savage, Director of Community Engagement at the Kansas Department of Commerce.


The event also recognized the 2024 Essay Contest Winners, who presented essays on past KBHF inductees:


Lucy Krebsbach

Addilyn Bruns, Freshman, Home School (Topeka), on Arthur Capper.

Yolanda and

Gene Camarena

Entrepreneurs, Youth Advocates, and Philanthropists

Aubryn Garriott, Senior, Olpe High School, on Bill Kurtis

Watch the 2024 Ceremony

Benjamin Soyka

2024 Contemporary Winner

Honoring Kansas' Business Legacy, Inspiring Tomorrow’s Leaders

Kansas Business Hall of Fame

Honoring Excellence in Kansas Business

2024 Inductees

Benjamin Soyka, Senior, Leavenworth High School, on Warren Augustine Bechtel.

2024 KSBHF

Induction Ceremony

2024 Induction Ceremony

The 2024 Kansas Business Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony took place on June 13, 2024, at Cremer Hall, Emporia State University, in Emporia, Kansas. This prestigious annual event celebrated the outstanding contributions of Kansas business leaders to the state’s economic growth, honoring both historical and contemporary figures who have made significant impacts.


2024 Inductees


Historical Inductee:Mary J. McCann was recognized for her pioneering role in the accounting industry. Born in Iola, Kansas, she became the first female CPA in the state and later the first female partner at a Big Eight accounting firm, leaving a legacy of leadership and service in the field of accounting. The award was accepted by Mr. Donald Brain on behalf of the McCann family.


Contemporary Inductee:Gene & Yolanda Camarena – As successful entrepreneurs and philanthropists, the Camarenas have made substantial contributions to business and youth advocacy. Gene Camarena is the President and CEO of La Raza Pizza, Inc., with ventures in restaurants, hotels, banking, and real estate. Yolanda Camarena has a strong background in education administration, focusing on social justice and equity. Their impact has been felt both in Kansas and nationally.

Aubryn Garriott

Event Overview

Mary J. McCann 

2024 Historical Award

Businesswoman, Certified Public Accountant, and Civic Leader

our 2024 kansas hall of fame student Essay Winners

Addilyn Bruns