Full name: Ann Gregorie Scarle
Title: Executive Director
Company: Baton Rouge Bar Association
Age: 55
Hometown: Baton Rouge, LA
Why do you do what you do?
I enjoy having the opportunity to facilitate change in our community. I work with a great staff and fabulous volunteers who are uniquely poised to address challenges to our legal system and who are passionately interested in community outreach, including the provision of free legal services to the poor, youth education and Teen Court – a juvenile diversion program.
What is your greatest professional accomplishment?
Within days of Hurricane Katrina devastating our state in 2005, our volunteers began operating a legal services hotline. Over a period of six weeks we assisted over 4000 callers with legal problems resulting from the storm. In 2006, The American Bar Association selected the BRBA as the recipient of its prestigious Harrison Tweed Award for our Herculean efforts.
What was your first job?
Working retail at age 16 for Ernest Dampf at Young Fashions.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
My father always said, “When you have a thorny problem, break it down into manageable parts that can be successfully addressed and then build upon this success until you solve the problem.”
Who do you most admire in the local business community and why?
I would have to say John Davies at the Baton Rouge Area Foundation for his vision, leadership and energy in making that organization one of the best community foundations in the nation.
If you could have any job other than your own, what would it be?
I am totally satisfied with what I do.
What is the greatest personal or professional obstacle you’ve overcome?
Like so many working women with children, I have struggled with work/life balance. It is still an ongoing process!
If you started over, what would you do differently?
I would make a few minor changes but overall I am satisfied with the choices I have made in life.
What is your prescription for life?
Enjoy life – work hard but play hard too!
What book are you currently reading?
For fun, I am reading The Friday Night Knitting Club, a story of a group of women whose lives become intertwined as their friendship grows and how they depend upon one another for support.
If you could have dinner with any three living people, who would they be?
It would be my three daughters, Florence, Laura and Anna Beth
Who would play you in a movie?
That’s a tough one! In my dreams it would have to be Julia Roberts!
What do you do to unwind?
I listen to my iPod while working in the yard.
What is the most expensive purchase you’ve made for yourself?
Without a doubt, my house.
What is your favorite weekend activity?
Visiting with family and working in my yard.
What’s your theme song?
Like a Rock by Bob Seger
What’s your favorite spot in Baton Rouge?
The median of North Blvd between the interstate and the City Club with its brick pathways and overhanging oak trees.
How do you take your coffee/tea?
I am more of a diet coke drinker.
What is your favorite movie?
Steel Magnolias.
TV show?
CBS Sunday Morning.
Band?
It’s a tie between Jimmy Buffet, Bob Seger and Bruce Springsteen.
What is your favorite gadget?
My iPod.
What is something that you can’t live without?
My BlackBerry.
If you could change one thing about Baton Rouge, what would it be?
Traffic
What is your greatest hope for Baton Rouge?
That we will continue with smart growth and attract the best and brightest young people.
What is your greatest fear for Baton Rouge?
That the current state funding cuts will irreparably damage cultural and educational programs in our city.
