Alma Gates Scroggins

Alma Gates Scroggins defied the stereotype of accountants by joining Turner Broadcasting System (TBS) in 1969, a year after graduating from Culverhouse with a degree in accounting.

At that time, TBS had only 300 employees and a modest media presence. Scroggins played a pivotal role in the launch of CNN on June 1, 1980, which revolutionized broadcast journalism. As vice president of CNN Financial Administration in 1981, she tackled the network’s financial challenges, leading it to profitability by 1985. She was promoted to CFO and senior vice president, becoming the first female member of CNN’s executive team. Scroggins retired in 2000 as executive vice president of the CNN News Group.

A native of Greensboro, Ala., and a 2015 inductee into the Alabama Business Hall of Fame, Scroggins notes that the world’s people could be divided into three camps: those who make things happen, those who watch things happen, and those who wonder what happened.

Key Takeaways

Take on risk — Scroggins joined TBS at an early stage and learned the broadcasting business such that she became a principal leader within the organization as it grew.

Be present, be aware, and pay attention.