Mary Ann is a journalist, lifelong learner, recovering workaholic and perfectionist about to begin a buyout after 2... more

Mary Ann is a journalist, lifelong learner, recovering workaholic and perfectionist about to begin a buyout after 29 years of slinging words, images, ads, dreams and beliefs at a Midwest newspaper and for its online partner. In her spare time, she directed community events; managed bands, festivals and projects; became certtified and taught adults about diversity, Girl Scout ways, using computers, exploring the Internet and how to write. She was instrumental in kickstarting a community computer network (GeneseeFree-Net). She has written grants and served on review panels, created databases, maps, quilts, necklaces, earrings and websites.

Mary Ann is a media junkie, working at a Michigan newspaper for 29 years. Since 1994, she's led the newspaper' online efforts. The first draft was on a gopher site, launched with the kickoff of a community computer network (Genesee Free-Net). Two years later, she began working with mlive.com, an affiliate of AdvanceInternet.com.