Ronnie Calhoun
"I am always looking to connect with smart, talented, driven people."​
With over 25 years of experience spanning business, media, education, and nonprofit leadership, Ronnie Calhoun has worn many hats. The common thread throughout his journey has always been people. He thrives on connecting with others, telling meaningful stories, and building teams that make a difference.
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Ronnie is also an accomplished songwriter and musician. In 2014, he co-founded the country band Vidalia with longtime friends Charlie Hugg and Matt Tortorich. During their run from 2014 to 2018, Vidalia achieved remarkable success: two Top 25 albums on the iTunes Country Albums Chart (#11 and #24), a #3 spot on the Billboard Heatseekers Chart, over 6 million streams, and even airplay in LSU’s Tiger Stadium before football games. The band was recognized on 225 Magazine’s “People to Watch” list in 2017. After stepping away from touring and studio work, Ronnie began focusing on other areas of life. However, the love for songwriting never left. In 2025, he began writing again with Nashville artists and is actively taking a deeper dive into the craft once more.
Continuing his commitment to the music community, Ronnie is the founder of Louisiana Country Music, a growing company that celebrates and promotes all things country music across the state. Alongside partners Alex Smith and CJ Solar, he is building a platform that honors legendary Louisiana artists and songwriters, supports today’s talent, and helps bridge the gap between Louisiana and Nashville for the next generation.
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A firm believer in the power of positive media, Ronnie also launched the Miss-Lou Champions Spotlight podcast in 2021, based in his hometown of Natchez, Mississippi. After becoming increasingly intentional about tuning out negativity in 2020, Ronnie was inspired to create a show that uplifts the region by highlighting non-profits, educators, volunteers, and everyday people making a difference in the community. Partnering with producer Dustin Hinkle, the podcast has become a local favorite, built entirely on positivity.
Ronnie is currently working on a new book titled Cheat Code, written for high school and college students, employees, and leaders of all kinds. The book offers practical life tools, real stories, and actionable strategies for growth. It draws directly from an award-winning curriculum Ronnie created and taught, which earned both state and national recognition for driving measurable student improvement.
Beyond music and media, Ronnie has reached the top 10% in national sales for two Fortune 500 companies, led students with disabilities toward meaningful employment, and helped small businesses and nonprofits grow their impact through branding and strategy. He is passionate about teaching, training, and empowering others, whether in a classroom, on a podcast, through a campaign, or at a community event. He has launched award-winning initiatives, led successful election campaigns, raised hundreds of thousands for local causes, and built platforms to spotlight unsung heroes in his hometown.
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If there is a challenge that requires creativity, connection, and compassion, Ronnie Calhoun is all in.