Heather Larson, a 2014 graduate of the Ottumwa Leadership Academy, joined the staff of the Legacy Foundation in 2020. In her new role as Communications & Special Projects Manager, she is responsible for communications efforts by the Foundation and its programs. She also supports projects and initiatives such as the Ottumwa Broadband effort, which worked to bring a new fiber-broadband provider to the Ottumwa Community.
Larson’s career spreads across the private, public, and non-profit sectors. After graduation from Iowa State University (BS, Dietetics), she began her career as a Dietitian with Hy-Vee. She then served as the first Director of Market on Main and a Program Director at Indian Hills Community College. She also holds a Master of Business Administration from Walden University.
“I credit the skills I learned as a participant in the Ottumwa Leadership Academy with a large part of my confidence to take on such a non-traditional career path for a dietitian,” Larson said. “Hollie took the time to encourage me to come out of my shell and explore what would lead to personal fulfillment in my work. As a result, shortly after completing the Academy, I began work on my master’s degree and started working towards my management and leadership-focused career goals.”
Heather grew up in Ottumwa and had words of encouragement for any other local leaders considering joining the Academy. “I was amazed by just how much I did not know about Ottumwa before the Academy. Taking the time to dive deeper into how our community works is beneficial, no matter how long you’ve lived here.”
