After graduation from Central Missouri State University in 1987 with a Bachelors degree in Computer Information Systems, Jo Anne began her career at Southwestern Bell Telephone company (SBC) in St. Louis, Missouri. During her nine-year tenure with SBC, Jo Anne was recognized with the "Vice Presidential Award for Quality", and the "Nova Award" for outstanding achievement.

In 1996, Jo Anne joined the Management Consulting Group of Ernst & Young, LLP (E&Y) in their Kansas City office. While at Ernst & Young, Jo Anne spent much of her consulting time leading teams on business process improvement and IT related projects for Fortune 500 companies.

Using $5,000 of her own money, in 1999, Jo Anne founded Adams-Gabbert & Associates, Inc.  Jo Anne's goal when she established Adams-Gabbert was to provide management professionals the rewards of offering clients affordable, quality services while maintaining a positive work-life balance.

Jo Anne has received numerous awards and recognition over the years for her business success and leadership.  Most notably, Jo Anne's honors include Women Who Mean Business, Midwest CEO Magazine's Top 50 Women, Ernst & Young's Entrepreneur of the Year, and Top 10 Small Business of the Year.

Jo Anne is an active community leader who has committed countless hours and financial contributions to better Kansas City.  She is a United Way Tocqueville member and currently sits on boards with the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, St. Luke's Foundation, and Flourish Magazine.  

In 2008, after nearly ten highly successful years as President and Chief Executive Officer for Adams-Gabbert, Jo Anne sold the firm to the Bicknell Family Holding Company (BFHC).  

Jo Anne is now President of Bicknell Family Holding Co. LLC.  She will oversee all of the companies in the BFHC portfolio.  She still remains an active part of Adams-Gabbert through the company's Board of Advisors.