Leanna McMahon

Leanna McMahon’s journey into taxation began at Cal Poly, where she earned her B.S. in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting before pursuing her M.S. in Taxation. A native of Santa Rosa, CA, Leanna was drawn to Cal Poly’s MST program for its reputation as one of the top tax programs on the West Coast.

“I chose Cal Poly MST because of its recognition among firms and the comprehensive curriculum that covers various tax specialties,” she explained. An engaging undergraduate lecture on the tax implications of found treasure solidified her interest, and she valued the program’s ability to help her explore different areas of tax.

The MST program had a significant impact on Leanna’s career trajectory. “I rose to Tax Senior in just one year, thanks to the exposure I received in the program,” she shared. The skills gained in the Research course, which taught her to navigate the complex tax code, remain a cornerstone of her success. “It prepared me to confidently solve tax issues that cross my desk,” she added.

Outside the classroom, Leanna was deeply involved in campus life. She served as an OCOB Peer Advisor, participated in the Low Income Taxpayer Clinic, held leadership roles in the Cal Poly Accounting Club, and mentored in the Women in Business’ Leadership Academy. She also worked as TA for an introductory business course and a Week of Welcome Orientation Leader, showcasing her commitment to leadership and service.

Now a Tax Senior at Catalyst Family Office, Leanna focuses on tax compliance and estate planning. Looking ahead, she plans to obtain her CPA and continue her work in the Family Office space, a niche she discovered thanks to an inspiring class lecture during her MST program.

Her advice to current students? “Come in with an open mind about tax specialties, and organize your notes—they’ll become invaluable at work.”

This profile was published in the Winter of 2024.