Photo by Liz Chrisman
Get to know the new face in town before the first day of school! Dr. Ginni McDonald, 49, is the new Superintendent of Russellville School District. While her hometown is Horatio, she moved to the River Valley less than a year ago with her husband Joe. They have a daughter named Kirstie, son-in-law Devin, granddaughter Harper and another grandbaby on the way.
1. What do you think is the most positive aspect of living in the River Valley?
The people – no matter the location, in a car, at a business, in a restaurant, the people in our community are genuine, polite, supportive, positive and caring, and that makes the River Valley a great place to live.
2. What’s something no one would ever guess about you?
I like to play Fantasy Football. I’m in a league with friends and in my first year, I actually won the league via auto-draft selection thanks to Lamar Jackson having a great year as quarterback for the Ravens! Now I enjoy playing Fantasy Football each fall.
3. What is your favorite music genre and artist? Why?
I enjoy a variety of artists and genres of music depending on my activity. I love to listen to artists such as Lauren Daigle, Britt Nicole, Katy Perry, NSYNC, P!nk, Celine Dion, Whitney Houston and Cher, and I have been known to rock out to Journey (with Steve Perry) and Van Halen (both Roth and Hagar). I like all of these artists for different reasons, mainly the way I feel when I am listening to their songs. If you were to be a passenger in my vehicle right now, you’d hear soundtracks of Frozen and Encanto, courtesy of my granddaughter, Harper!
4. What do you nerd out on?
I nerd out on fictional, and crime and mystery TV shows like NCIS and Matlock. I love these shows because of the well-developed characters and story lines that have at least one twist or turn before identifying the person responsible. When I watched Alias with Jennifer Garner, I thought I would be an FBI agent or profiler!
5. If you could change one thing about the River Valley, what would it be?
As a new resident of the River Valley, I am just discovering all that this community has to offer. If anyone has recommendations on things to do or places to see, I’d love to hear them so I can continue exploring our community.
6. Where is the one location in the River Valley you would tell a first-time visitor that they must go?
When I began learning about the River Valley, I started reading ABOUT, and in the fall issue, Dr. Tony Griffin was featured. He mentioned Mt. Nebo as a must-do (and see) for anyone visiting or new to the area, and I couldn’t agree more. My first time on Mt. Nebo was wonderful. My family and I watched the beautiful sunset over the River Valley, and we felt at peace and at home. Now I recommend anyone who is new to the area to experience it, too.
7. Pizza, tacos, cheeseburger, or fried chicken? Any particular reason why?
Taco pizza is my favorite kind of pizza because the taco sauce, beans, meat and cheese on pizza bread is a great mixture of taste and texture; I highly recommend trying it!
8. What is your favorite quote? Could be from an inspirational person, or could be original.
Success is never final, failure is never fatal, and it’s courage that counts. ~ John Wooden
9. What is your five-year goal from today?
Personally, my five-year goal is to attend as many events and activities that involve my grandchildren as possible. Being present in their lives is something I will always treasure. Professionally, my five-year goal is to lead in a way that ensures the Russellville School District continues to be the pride of the community and the district of choice for families. I know that it’s possible to attain this goal because of the amazing educators and staff at RSD; good things are happening and we are moving forward together.
10. What is your favorite memory of the River Valley area?
When I first moved to the River Valley, a teacher gave me a list of suggestions for everything from restaurants to dry cleaning…I used their suggestions to navigate the community for several weeks! It was a great first memory. I am looking forward to making many more favorite memories now that Joe and I have moved into our new home and are settling into the community!
