Founder/Chief Creative,
MACMedia –
Mary Anne Connolly 
Mary Anne has spent nearly 20 years in journalism – the first 10 in New York as a production associate for ABC News’ 20/20 and John Stossel Specials; then as a newsmagazine producer for FOX News at FOX Files and the Fox News Channel. Upon returning to her college town of Austin to be closer to family, she rediscovered her first love of print media in roles as managing editor for Texas’ Brilliant Magazine and later, executive editor of Austin Woman magazine. At AW, she helped establish a popular brand known for inspiring content focused on the diverse women of Austin, now celebrating its 15th year. While there, she envisioned and spearheaded 72 issues in six years by managing a large virtual team of freelance writers, photographers and art directors and participating in multiple community events.
Mary Anne has chased paparazzi in Paris for Barbara Walters, field-produced stories with now CNN anchor Chris Cuomo and interviewed the legendary Willie Nelson in his tour bus. She’s covered both international breaking news and local live events. Prior to lifestyle and news journalism, she worked in PR, sales and marketing for corporate and design clients from Fifth Avenue to Wall Street.
Mary Anne’s principal passion is content and storytelling. She has produced stories ranging from six-minute fashion pieces to a longform documentary for Bravo, as well as written numerous print features, created series ideas and countless editorial and social media calendars. She founded MACMedia to help her clients navigate the fast-changing, multifaceted, overcrowded media landscape, from traditional to social media, with a focus on clients in technology, healthcare, academia, nonprofits, arts and film. She enjoys creating multilevel content and media strategies that enhance thought leadership and promote brand recognition. Her company specializes in superior content creation, practical PR and strategic social media, as well as relevant communications strategy and media training.
Known to her friends as “MAC,” she also sings, plays a little piano and guitar and serves on the board of Grammy-winning choral group Conspirare, performing in its Symphonic Choir both locally and internationally. If not outside enjoying an active Austin lifestyle, she may be watching a French film, live music or planning her next travel adventure. Mary Anne is also working on a book and start-up platform focused on reinventing attitudes on aging and leading innovations in caregiving at any age, based on revelations and discoveries made while caring for her amazing parents for almost 15 years.
Best Mentee Fit:
Since Mary Anne has enjoyed a multitude of roles in both journalism and PR, she strongly believes life and work should be a continuous path of reinvention, nimble adaptation and lifelong learning that both enhances creative passions and utilizes core talents. A fan of entrepreneurship, innovation and new work models incorporating virtual teams and technology, she also loves helping others navigate the diverse worlds of corporate, start-up, small business and nonprofits, having spent significant time in each. Her greatest thrill is helping others find true joy, passion and flow in their work – because life’s just too short to be miserable 9-to-5!