Meet Ann Ames, vice president of state government affairs at Kinetic by Windstream.
Tell us a little about your business. – Kinetic by Windstream (kineticbusiness.com) is a privately held communications and software company. Kinetic provides premium broadband, entertainment, and security services through an enhanced fiber network and 5G fixed wireless service to consumers and businesses primarily in rural areas in 18 states, including Nebraska. The company also offers managed communications services, including SD-WAN and UCaaS, and high-capacity bandwidth and transport services to businesses across the U.S. We have longstanding roots of providing service to the Lincoln area.
How did you get started in the business? – I am new to the telecommunications industry after five years in local government and more than 15 years working in nonprofits. I’m very excited about working for Kinetic and helping to bring broadband internet to rural customers.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – Balancing my career and motherhood.
What has been your most important achievement professionally? – While working for Lancaster County, they gave me the opportunity to focus in more on employee development. I was able to create a Leadership Academy to help develop upcoming County leaders, help create succession planning, broaden County relationships and networking, and give back to staff.
Tell us a little about your family. – I have one daughter, Maddie, who is attending UNL as a freshman. We have a very large extended family that all live close by. We also have three Labrador Retrievers.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? – Completing my Master of Public Administration Degree from the University of San Francisco and going into government work.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – Spending time with my daughter and checking out the best finds at Home Goods.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? – I volunteer for a group called Lasagna Love that makes home-cooked lasagnas for people in need of a meal.
Who inspires you? – My Aunt Sally because of her constant kindness, concern for others, and commitment to be a public servant.
What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – “Silence can never be misquoted.” – Calvin Coolidge. This has helped me to be careful and thoughtful during heated discussions.
If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? – Compassionate.
What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life? – Floral design.
What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? – Catholic Social Services, especially St. Gianna Women’s Home. The services they provide are critical to underserved people in our community.
What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? – The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch.
What is your favorite movie? – The Blind Side.
What is your favorite local restaurant? – MoMo Pizzeria & Ristorante.
If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? – St. Mary Magdalene.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – (402) 436-5044; ann.ames@windstream.com; kineticbusiness.com.