Dr. Mary Ellen Harris is a driving force behind the success of Kreischer Miller, a leading independent accounting, tax and advisory firm.
As the chief human resources officer, Harris has helped Kreischer Miller achieve significant milestones in its performance management process. She implemented a new software tool that streamlined functionality and customization, and she revised feedback and evaluation forms to ensure associates receive meaningful and actionable feedback tailored to their specific roles. She also transformed the performance evaluation timing, shifting toward ongoing feedback with quarterly formal evaluations. Through these changes, she has witnessed improvements in associate performance and cohesion among team members, the company said.
Founded in 1975, Kreischer Miller is renowned for its comprehensive range of services, including audit and accounting, tax strategies, business advisory, human capital resources and technology solutions. The firm caters to growth-oriented private companies, offering specialized knowledge in industries such as manufacturing, distribution, construction, real estate, not-for-profits and more.
Harris recognizes the pressing challenge of work location, particularly in the post-pandemic era. While many firms are mandating specific work arrangements, Kreischer Miller has maintained flexibility, prioritizing client needs and emphasizing the importance of in-person collaboration for professional development. Harris’ goals for the coming year include evaluating and revising company policies, with a focus on parental leave, associate well-being, work-life blend and caregiving leave.
Harris dedicates her time to mentoring, coaching and advising emerging leaders within the organization. Her investment in associates’ career journeys has contributed to high engagement scores and rapid promotions. She also serves as an advisor for MBA students and a dissertation committee member for a Ph.D student at Eastern University. She volunteers her time to support women in business through organizations like The Power of Professional Women and The National Association of Women Business Owners.
Kreischer Miller has gained recognition on the National USA Top Places to Work list and the local Philadelphia market Top Places to Work lists for the past six consecutive years. This is Harris’ second time being named to the Titan 100 list.
“The most important risk I took along my career journey was to leave the public accounting / professional services industry, where I had spent half my career, to explore other industries,” Harris said. “The reason I took this leap was for personal and professional growth and development. The result was that I confirmed that the public accounting and professional services industry is where I belong. It confirmed my career purpose. Sometimes taking the risk to explore other opportunities confirms that we are in the right place.”
