Former US treasurer enters Kansas Business Hall of Fame

Georgia Neese Gray served as the nation’s first female U.S. Treasurer during the Harry S. Truman administration.
Georgia Neese Gray served as the nation’s first female U.S. Treasurer during the Harry S. Truman administration. | Contributed photo

Emporia State University’s Kansas Business Hall of Fame (KBHF) recently inducted two honorees — a former U.S. Treasurer and a Wichita entrepreneur — at its 44th annual awards event at Washburn University in Topeka.

The late Georgia Neese Gray, who served as the nation’s first female U.S. Treasurer during the Harry S. Truman administration, and Murfin Inc. CEO David Murfin shared the honor at the June 22 ceremony and banquet event.

Those chosen for the KBHF are regarded as role models who have exemplified leadership both in Kansas and nationwide.

Gray was a native of Richland who inherited her family’s holdings in agriculture, retail and farming. An economics major in college, she became active in local politics, ultimately serving as U.S. Treasurer following work with the Democratic National Committee. She died in 1995.

Murfin operates multiple interests in natural resources, agriculture and real estate. He is owner of Murfin Drilling Company Inc. and Murphy Tractor and Equipment Company, a John Deere dealer. Additionally, he is a member of several industrial and civic associations and boards and was appointed to the Kansas Board of Regents in 2015. He and his family live in the Wichita area.