Mary Shannon

Mary Shannon serves in an appointment with the Jackson County, Missouri Office of the Ethics, Human Relations, and Citizens Complaints Commission (EHRCC), where she supports the commission’s mission to promote justice, strengthen human relations, and protect the rights of citizens. She is a seasoned supplier diversity leader with extensive experience developing and executing strategies that advance small, minority, women, veteran, and LGBTQ-owned businesses. Throughout her career, she has been recognized for articulating the business case for supplier diversity and its impact on economic growth, job creation, and community development.

She is the Founder of Connectus Worldwide, LLC, a consulting firm dedicated to helping small and diverse businesses navigate certification processes, build capacity, and connect with corporate and government procurement opportunities. Mary also serves on the Leadership Council of the National Small Business Association in Washington, D.C., where she collaborates with national leaders to advocate for policies that strengthen access to capital and support small business growth. Her work bridges corporate strategy and entrepreneurship, providing both advisory support and hands-on guidance to organizations seeking to build more inclusive supply chains.

Previously, Mary spent over a decade at Hallmark Cards, Inc. as Supplier Diversity Manager, where she led initiatives to expand and sustain diverse supplier engagement across the global supply chain. She is a Webster University graduate with a master’s degree in management and is a recognized speaker and facilitator on topics including supplier relationship management, strategy development, and inclusive economic development. Known for her authentic leadership style and commitment to impact, she continues to champion equitable access to opportunity through both civic service and business consulting.