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MACPA members claim seats among Maryland's top women

By Bill Sheridan
MACPA Electronic Communications Manager

The world now knows what the MACPA has known for years: The association's membership roster is dotted with some of Maryland's most outstanding businesswomen.

By way of proof, two MACPA members — Jane M. Brewer and Lynne P. Lochte — have been named to the 2002 list of Maryland's Top 100 Women.

Established in 1996 by The Daily Record, the annual list recognizes the leading women who are making an impact on Maryland. Brewer and Lochte certainly qualify.

Brewer is a shareholder with KAWG&F, a title she has held since 1990. She is the first woman to serve as president of the Rotary Club of Towsontowne, and in 2001 she was named Woman of the Year by the Baltimore chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners.

Lochte is director of finance for The Johns Hopkins University, a former partner with C.W. Amos & Co., and an active board member with numerous civic and non-profit groups in the Baltimore area.

Despite their impressive resumes, both say they are honored, even humbled, by the award.

"I was definitely surprised, in the sense that I have great respect for the women who were selected," Lochte said. "Many have served as mentors and role models for me. It was truly an honor to discover I am now considered in the same tier."

"There are some truly deserving people on that list," added Brewer, who has been named to the list three times. "To be included among them is special."

Blazing new trails

The award is doubly special considering their profession. In a traditionally male-dominated field, Brewer and Lochte have crossed the "gender line" in notable ways. Brewer was elected as a shareholder at KAWG&F 12 years ago, at a time when few accounting firms employed female partners or shareholders. Lochte's breakthrough came in 1999, when she was named partner in charge of nonprofit services at C.W. Amos after 11 years as an accounting associate.

Each considers that her most significant professional accomplishment, and they agree that similar opportunities may arise for others as the business environment for women continues to improve.

"It's a demanding field, but I think there are a lot more opportunities for women (as CPAs)," Lochte said. "I think women are now seen for the value they add, particularly in terms of perspective and creative thought."

"I think business in general has been more receptive to women business owners," Brewer added. "Women are recognized now as a viable source."

That recognition has reached the accounting profession. Brewer believes up to half the workforce at many firms consists of women, "and that will continue to evolve as older (CPAs) retire and the younger ones move up."

'Anything is possible'

So how do the younger ones achieve the kind of success Brewer and Lochte have enjoyed?

According to both, the answer comes from within.

"What's most important is being passionate about and believing in what you are doing," Lochte said. "It doesn't matter if it's private, public or governmental, for-profit or not-for-profit, as long as you have passion for your work. Finding an avenue to take the talents and skills you have developed and share them with the community — that's what leads to success."

"Recognize that anything is possible," Brewer said. "Find a goal for yourself, and if you work hard, chances are you're going to get there."

For more information about Maryland’s Top 100 Women — including complete biographies for Brewer and Lochte — visit http://www.Top100Women.com.