Ann founded MeetingSuccess in 1998 as a part-time business. Now retired from the Canadian Federal Civil Service, she works full-time using Meetingworks® and Collaborate 101© software to support her clients in face-to-face and Internet meetings.
Career path
After teaching elementary school for a few years, then English as a second language in Quebec for another few, she felt a need to change direction. When the opportunity presented itself, Ann pursued the whole new world of computer programming, first in COBOL then BASIC Plus II. After a few years, the old yen for instructing led her to work in a micro-computer training centre. Later working at a computer help desk, she provided telephone support in word processing and spreadsheet software. That eventually evolved to manager of a computer loan and walk-in support centre at National Defence Headquarters in Ottawa.
Her next initiative was to setup an electronic meeting system for National Defence. From 1996 to 2002 she facilitated meetings using a network of laptop computers with electronic meeting software. Initial marketing efforts eventually paid off for DND and the Decision Support System (DSS) became a popular resource for many organizations at headquarters and across the country for face-to-face meetings and conferences for groups from 6 to 100. At first the meetings were all for groups located in the same place, but the arrival of Meetingworks software expanded the possibilities, and online meetings were added to the offerings of the DSS. In 2002 Ann retired from DND and is now self-employed.
Personal
Coming from a family with deep roots in the Ottawa area, Ann was educated in Ottawa and Halifax and graduated from St. Patrick's College at the University of Ottawa in 1967 with a Bachelor of Social Science. She has travelled widely over the years. Starting from trips across Canada and the United States the urge to see the world eventually led her to Britain, Europe, the Caribbean, South America, Australia, New Zealand and most recently China.
When not working at MeetingSuccess Ann can be found at Hylands golf course working to lower her handicap. In the non-golf season she enjoys playing bridge, skiing, reading, sewing and attending both movies and live theatre.