SEVEN in 11: Bobbi Larson

WHY SHE MATTERS
Four years ago, Bobbi Larson joined the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance as a way to bring recognition to the American Red Cross-Manatee Chapter, which recently had opened a new office in Lakewood Ranch. This month, the American Red Cross-Manatee Chapter CEO will begin serving her third year on the alliance’s board of directors — this time as chairman.

At this time 12 years ago, Bobbi Larson had no idea what she wanted to be.

But that all changed in the spring of 1999 when she stumbled upon Leadership Manatee. Larson applied for the program and was selected as one of the members of the Class of 2000. While enrolled in Leadership Manatee, Larson discovered several non-profit organizations. And it was while touring those organizations that Larson discovered her true calling.

“I knew I wanted to stay (in Florida), but I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to do,” Larson says. “Leadership Manatee gave me the opportunity to really see what the community had to offer and where I fit in. You saw all of the best that the community has to offer, but you did get the opportunity to see areas where we need to improve.

“That’s probably why I decided to work for a non-profit,” she says. “There were so many needs out there, and I just fell in love with the idea of working for a non-profit. I loved the Red Cross’ mission and idea of seeing a problem and being part of the solution.”

For the past nine years, Larson has worked for the American Red Cross-Manatee Chapter, where she currently serves as the organization’s chief executive officer. As CEO, Larson is responsible for overseeing and managing the emergency assistance and training programs and services the Red Cross provides to the more than 33,000 people living in both Manatee and Hardee counties.

“(Knowing) your involvement directly impacts something bigger than we are is exciting,” Larson says. “I like that it’s a little bit different every day. I really love working here at the Red Cross and the fact that I get to interact with almost everyone in the community.

“I guess that’s sort of a big statement, but we have clients, donors, volunteers and corporate partners; and I love (having) all of these community contacts and working with everyone to (support) the Red Cross’ mission.”

Aside from providing disaster relief and training, the Red Cross provides a number of health and safety programs, including CPR, First Aid and lifeguard and babysitter training, among numerous others.

“I love our health and safety programs because they are all about teaching people to live safer and healthier lives,” Larson says. “These are really important skills that every person in the community should have.”

REACHING OUT
But for Larson, community involvement isn’t simply limited to the workplace. For the past four years, Larson has been a member of the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance.

Shortly after the Red Cross opened its Lakewood Ranch office, Larson was approached by Tim Martin, then the organization’s chairman, about getting involved in the alliance. Larson did just that, hoping to garner recognition for the Red Cross and other non-profit organizations within the Lakewood Ranch community.

“When we opened our office here in Lakewood Ranch, we definitely wanted to take an active role in the Lakewood Ranch community,” Larson says. “At the time, the organization was still relatively new.”

This year, Larson will begin serving her third year on the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance’s Board of Directors — this time as the organization’s chairman. Larson assumes her new position this month.

“I (recently) saw Tim and he said to me, ‘I told you to get involved. I didn’t tell you to run that, too,’” Larson says. “Although I feel that if you’re going to be involved in an organization, you need to be actively involved. Otherwise, you don’t get all of the benefits.”

Larson earned the alliance’s top post through a nomination by other members and the board. At first, the suggestion surprised Larson.

“I (thought), ‘Is this the best option you have, and are you sure?’” Larson says. “My gut reaction (says) you don’t usually see people involved in non-profits running a business organization.”

Larson eventually warmed up to the idea and later was elected to her new position.

BIG YEAR
In 2011, Larson hopes to help the alliance become more involved with economic development by creating opportunities for businesses to grow their employees — through maximizing technology and increased education — while bringing new businesses to Lakewood Ranch.

“I’m excited about the opportunity to work with other businesses,” Larson says. “We want to help our member businesses do better. If the business community is doing better then we’re all doing better.”

This year, the Red Cross also is expected to begin entering discussions about the possibility of consolidating its Manatee, Southwest Florida and Charlotte County chapters into one entity.

“We’re expecting some really great changes,” Larson says. “We’re looking to maximize our resources, so that we can provide more programs and services to the five cities, within three chapters, that we serve.

“That’s exciting and a little unnerving all at the same time,” she says.

WORK AND PLAY
A native of Norcross, Ga., Larson always has been intrigued by how businesses interact within the local community. Larson received a business degree from Methodist University in Fayettville, N.C.

“I like business,” Larson says. “It’s a very broad category, and there’s a lot of different divisions.”

And in the future, Larson would like to go back and earn her master’s degree in business if time and money allow.

“I guess it’s never too late,” Larson says.

Larson moved to Florida 20 years ago, and in the last two decades, the Peridia resident has watched Lakewood Ranch take root and blossom.

“This is a really nice area,” Larson says. “I’ve always been really impressed with Manatee County’s sense of community. (Everyone) is so welcoming and it’s easy to get involved in the community or business activities. The weather is great, and it’s so convenient to (everything) — I’ve never felt that gap between Manatee and Sarasota counties.”

When she’s not hard at work, Larson enjoys spending time with her two daughters Kelsey, 23, who lives in Georgia, and Kerri, 21, who attends Florida State University. Additionally, Larson enjoys traveling, attending community events, such as Music on Main, spending time with her friends and watching cooking shows.

“Every now and then, I think I’m an Iron Chef,” Larson says with a laugh. “I give it my best shot, but it’s not the same as on TV. It’s fun to try though.”

Contact Jen Blanco at [email protected].