Name: Ann McMahon
Title: Chief Operating Officer, Co-founder
Company: The Louisiana Network, Inc.
Age: 61
Hometown: Baton Rouge
Why do you do what you do?
Because Louisiana Network radio contributes to our State while providing me personal challenges and rewards.
What is your greatest professional accomplishment?
Successfully innovating game program magazine advertising and stadium sales, for two college sports programs, in a single year.
What was your first job?
The first, full time female news announcer for KWKH Radio in Shreveport.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
I have been fortunate to have received excellent advice and assistance throughout my life from outstanding individuals, especially my husband Rhett. Perhaps, the best of advice of all is to listen to everyone with respect because you can learn from every person.
Who do you most admire in the local business community and why?
Shelby Taylor, Realtor, because she helped Louisiana Network get started in 1974 on a shoe string, as she helped other small business in Baton Rouge before there were “incubators” or “technology parks.”
William B. Little, Executive Director of the Baton Rouge Chamber in the 1980’s because he was a winner, who believed Baton Rouge could be a winner and he supported small business, Louisiana Network included.
Melvin Kip Holden, who once worked with me in Louisiana Network radio news, and is superb example of persistence making opportunities.
If you could have any job other than your own, what would it be?
A photographer.
What is the greatest personal or professional obstacle you’ve overcome?
Holding the new Regional Sales Department for Louisiana Network together while traveling every week to assist my sister and her young son, critically injured in an automobile accident.
If you started over, what would you do differently?
Enjoyed the journey a bit more.
What is your prescription for life?
You only have moments. Therefore take nothing and no one for granted.
What book are you currently reading?
I read few books and many magazines and web information.
If you could have dinner with any three living people, who would they be? (Authors? Leaders?)
Aerospace Engineer, Burt Rutan; First Civilian Astronaut, Mike Melville; Col. Eileen Collins (USAF, ret.), first female pilot and commander of a Space Shuttle.
Who would play you in a movie?
Dame Judi Dench
What do you do to unwind?
Fly my airplane.
What is the biggest purchase you’ve made for yourself?
Ronald, the Great Dane
What is your favorite weekend activity?
Flying my aircraft to a great photography location.
What’s your theme song?
“When You Wish Upon A Star”
What’s your favorite spot in Baton Rouge?
The Lakes
How do you take your coffee/tea?
Straight
What is your favorite movie? TV show? Band?
Secondhand Lions; Sara Conner Chronicles; Nitty Gritty Dirtband
What is your favorite gadget?
Weather Alert Radio
What is something that you can’t live without?
Radio
If you could change one thing about Baton Rouge, what would it be?
The TRAFFIC
What is your greatest hope for Baton Rouge?
It will realize its full potential.
What is your greatest fear for Baton Rouge?
That it will not achieve its full potential.
