Full name: Katherine Martin
Title: Executive director
Company: O’Brien House
Age: 60
Hometown: Baton Rouge
Why do you do what you do?
As executive director of O’Brien House I am able to give the help and support that was so freely given to me 25 years ago.
What is your greatest professional accomplishment?
The expansion and renovation of all the O’Brien House buildings which includes the new extended living facility, the Reilly Center Administration Offices and Community Center, kitchen, women’s dorm, Main Street and Laurel Street men’s dorms.
What was your first job?
I was a waitress at the Holiday Inn in Monteagle, Tenn.
What is the best advice you've ever received?
Live life as though it were a loose garment.
Who do you most admire in the local business community and why?
I admire Kevin P. Reilly Sr., for his vision, drive and willingness to take a risk.
If you could have any job other than your own, what would it be?
I would love to tend the flower gardens around the State Capitol.
What is the greatest personal or professional obstacle you've overcome?
At a very early age, I had to overcome my stuttering and shyness.
If you started over, what would you do differently?
I would have started investing resources as a teenager.
What is your prescription for life?
Very simply: Trust God, “clean house” and help others.
What book are you currently reading?
The Mercy of Thin Air, by Ronlyn Domingue
If you could have dinner with any three people, who would they be? (Authors? Leaders?)
Madeleine L’Engle (author, theologian, spiritual giant), Willie Nelson and Barbara Walters
Who would play you in a movie?
Julie Andrews
What do you do to unwind?
Crossword puzzles
What is the most expensive purchase you've made for yourself?
Oak bed custom-made by Ford Thomas
What is your favorite weekend activity?
Attending any performing arts event
What's your theme song?
“To dream the impossible dream”
What's your favorite spot in Baton Rouge?
The levee at sunset
How do you take your coffee/tea?
Hot coffee with half/half and Splenda
What is your favorite movie? TV show? Band?
Movie: Casablanca, TV show: The Closer, Band: The Oak Ridge Boys
What is your favorite gadget?
A strawberry corer
What is something that you can't live without?
Interaction with people
If you could change one thing about Baton Rouge, what would it be?
I would increase the stock of affordable housing.
What is your greatest hope for Baton Rouge?
That we will grow stronger by embracing our diversity.
What is your greatest fear for Baton Rouge?
That we will miss the opportunity to grow stronger by embracing our diversity.
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