Today we’d like to introduce you to Heather McKinnis.
Hi Heather, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I actually found my way into the business world pretty unexpectedly. I have a degree in Communications, and before my husband and I started our family, I worked in the medical field, first as an office administrator and later as an admissions recruiter for a doctorate-level program.
When we had our first child, I decided to stay home and was lucky enough to find an opportunity with a nonprofit that meant a lot to me personally. After my oldest was born extremely prematurely, I started working with a foundation that supports parents of NICU babies. What started as a small way to stay involved while at home turned into a decade-long role where I helped create a nationally based mentor program that’s still thriving today. I also served on several boards and eventually took over all fundraising and development efforts for the organization.
Once all four of our kids were in school, I felt ready to return to an office environment. Around that time, my husband wanted to open his own optometry practice, so I jumped in to help. We built his first office from the ground up, and two years later, we added a second location. I managed both offices and their teams for about a year before we realized that my skills might be better put to use outside of the family business, and that’s when I came across MediaNet AV.
I’d actually known the CEO, Zac, for a few years since our kids went to the same school and we both served on the school board. I mentioned that I was looking for a new challenge, and as it turned out, he was right in the middle of acquiring a company in Rochester, NY. The timing couldn’t have been better. I joined MediaNet AV as Director of Business Development, with a focus on helping transition AAA Sound & Video and supporting growth in Ohio.
From day one, I was excited about the opportunity to help a growing business and learn something completely new. Acquisitions are tricky, but they’ve taught me a good deal about communication, patience, and the power of strong leadership.
After my first year with the company, the Director of Operations position opened up, and I stepped into that role while continuing to work on strategic planning and growth. It’s been such a rewarding experience, both personally and professionally, and I’m grateful every day for where that unexpected path has led me.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
There have definitely been challenges along the way. Starting over in completely new industries hasn’t been easy, especially stepping into the world of audio, video, lighting, and control at MediaNet AV. It was a whole new language at first!
Leading through change and helping integrate teams during an acquisition also came with their fair share of growing pains. But I’ve learned that real growth happens when you’re a little uncomfortable. Each challenge has taught me something valuable, about communication, empathy, and how to lead with both confidence and grace. The road hasn’t been smooth, but it’s been very rewarding.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
At MediaNet AV, I serve as the Director of Operations and Strategic Planning , which means I wear a lot of hats, and that’s exactly how I like it. I oversee the day-to-day operations, help streamline processes between our Ohio and New York offices, and work closely with our leadership team to plan for future growth. I’m also involved in business development and strategic initiatives, so I get to help shape where we’re headed as a company. I gravitate more to the strategic planning side of things. That’s what brings me joy. I also thrive off of planning and process. It’s a win win in my current role.
MediaNet AV specializes in audio, video, theatrical lighting, and control system design and integration. It’s an incredibly dynamic industry that blends creativity, technology, and teamwork — and I’ve really grown to love it. I didn’t come from a technical background, so I’ve had to learn a lot along the way, but that’s also what I’m most proud of. I’ve been able to take my communication and organizational strengths and apply them to a highly technical field in a way that helps bridge the gap between our design and installation teams, our clients, and our business goals.
What sets me apart, I think, is my ability to bring people together and motivate us to work towards a focused goal. To listen, problem-solve, and make sure everyone feels valued and part of something bigger. I love helping create a positive culture where people enjoy coming to work and feel supported in what they do but I also understand that nurturing that culture means that someone has to make hard decisions. Finding the right team and watching that team grow, adapt, and succeed together has been one of the most rewarding parts of my career.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
The world of technology is always changing, and that’s one of the most exciting parts of this industry. It’s fun to see new ideas become reality, especially when those innovations change how people experience their environment every day. From smarter control systems and AI-driven automation to more immersive audio and lighting design, there’s always something new on the horizon. We work with houses of worship, corporations, schools, and entertainment venues, so there’s never a dull moment. Our team does an incredible job staying ahead of new trends and bringing fresh ideas to life.
I’ll admit, I live more on the business side of things than the technical one, and I’ll probably never fully grasp every new gadget or system our talented team installs. But what I do see is how the opportunities continue to expand, especially as technology becomes more integrated across corporate, educational, and house-of-worship environments. The next 5–10 years will be all about creating smarter, more connected spaces that bring people together in meaningful ways. It’s exciting to think that MediaNet AV gets to play a part in that evolution.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://medianetav.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MediaNetAv
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-mckinnis/
- Other: https://www.linkedin.com/company/medianet-av/
