My Professional Career
Larson was educated in the field of volcanology but spent the majority of her career as a consultant in business strategy, examining the tradeoffs and long-term results of decisions, and working with large groups of employees to help them understand how they influence business outcomes.
She cofounded a tech company in 1998 and helped develop one of the early internet platforms. After a decade leading that company, Larson was recruited to help transform a company from classroom training into simulation-based learning. She went on to lead North American operations and sales for a company based in Europe before being recruited by McKinsey and Co for their Organizational Development practice as a Learning Architect.
Larson currently consults with business leaders and their teams in the Inland Northwest on organizational issues, business strategy, and leadership. She also creates glass art.
Larson’s unique skill sets include:
- Working effectively with large groups of people from many different backgrounds
- Understanding systems
- Assessing effectiveness and viability of solutions
- Identifying and clearing chokepoints or constraints
- Proposing, implementing, and adjusting creative improvements
Family
Larson lives in Sagle with my husband Kass and Olive, the dog. Olive came from Better Together Animal Alliance and is the proud protector of her 5 hens.
When not running for office, she enjoys gardening, hiking, being in the water, and biking around Lake Pend Oreille. She can be found swimming in the bay, experimenting with a new glass technique in her studio, or collaborating on a welding project with her husband.
Larson’s happy place is with her delightful grandchildren. She also supports parents here and from a distance as they navigate the aging process.
Local Impact
Since 2024, Larson has been Communications Director for CAL (the Sandpoint Community Assistance League) the group that runs Bizarre Bazaar. In that role, she writes articles, crafts ads, improves signage, helps promote events (such as the 20th anniversary), and works with the volunteers and leadership to encourage the cycle of generosity that gives nearly a quarter of a million dollars back to the community each year, in the form of grants and scholarships.
She is a member of ArtWorks Gallery, Sandpoint’s local artist co-op, where she is a glass artist and serves as treasurer. Larson has spearheaded a number of improvement projects, including upgrading signage and lighting. In the past 18 months, the gallery has doubled foot traffic and recorded the best sales in their 30 year history.
She was recently invited to join the Board of the Community Resource Envision Center and led a session to prepare nonprofits to improve the outcomes of their participation in the Live Give 7B.
“I look forward to being part of the Envision Center’s amazing mission to empower the community through connection, service, and support. This group serves and important role to enhance the capability of local nonprofits and facilitate access to the constellation of services that can lift up those in need”
Kathryn Larson