40. Holding the Fort in Washington

Kyle McSlarrow
Title: Pres/CEO, National Cable Telecommunications Association

David Krone
Title: EVP, NCTA

Gail MacKinnon
Title: SVP, government relations, NCTA
Age:  43
Years in the industry: 9
Years left in the industry: “As long as possible.”

Why Them? The NCTA gang did a stellar job averting disaster over the last year. Whether it was indecency or a la carte at the FCC, or the quest for telco goodies and net neutrality rules on Capitol Hill, Kyle McSlarrow's crew kept all the hounds at bay. Of course, with the Dems taking over the Hill, McSlarrow’s Republican pedigree carries less weight. Meanwhile, ex-Democratic operative David Krone may choose to return to his life as a powerful Hill staffer rather than renew his NCTA contract. Increasingly, Gail MacKinnon may find herself even more invaluable as someone with great Hill connections and in-the-trenches chops. Her challenge will be working the same magic with the Dems. (Editor's note: After press-time it was announced that MacKinnon is leaving NCTA and in January will become SVP, global public policy, at Time Warner Inc.)
One thing's for sure: The industry has a good team over at NCTA central. While the next year won’t be easy, we think they’ll be ready. - MG

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Gail MacKinnon

Person I most admire in the cable industry and why: “Decker Anstrom, President and CEO, Landmark Communications.  I have deep respect and admiration for Decker who, as the former chief lobbyist for the cable industry, was largely responsible for reshaping the industry’s image in Washington after the disastrous 1992 Cable Act.”
In my free time, I like to: “I would like to HAVE the luxury of free time—there is no such thing when trying to balance the demands of a career and family.”
Favorite city:  New York City
Favorite line from a movie: “You had me at hello.” - Jerry Maguire
Three things I would take with me to a deserted island: “My husband Jeff and my daughters, Grace and Catherine.”
Favorite Song: “Anything by Martina McBride.”
Favorite TV Show: “24”
Favorite Movie: “Casablanca”
Favorite Sports Team: “Boston Red Sox”
Favorite piece of tech: TiVo
Least favorite piece of tech: “BlackBerry (because I’m addicted to it).”
The world would be a better place: “If there were three-day weekends.”

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