FM Area Foundation
Communications and Marketing Officer

Courtney Larson grew up in Leonard, N.D., a small town about 45 miles west of Fargo. Leonard is probably best known for its beautiful golf course and the haunted attraction, Acres of Terror. Larson graduated from Kindred High School in 2007 and received her bachelor’s degree in mass communications from Minnesota State University Moorhead. “Go Dragons,” says Larson. At MSUM, Larson was on the board of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA). As a student, Larson interned in the university’s marketing department and gained valuable hands-on experience. After graduating in 2011, Larson was hired on full-time as a Communication Specialist. Larson says it was an honor to work for her alma mater to help promote the university to prospective students, the community and alumni. Larsonworked at MSUM until 2014, when she moved to her current position at the FM Area Foundation.

Larson met her husband at MSUM their freshman year. They now live in south Moorhead and have a two-year-old son, a dog and a cat.

Awards

2013 Gold Addy, American Advertising Federation of North Dakota

What is your favorite thing about your professional life?

Where to begin! Working for the FM Area Foundation is extremely rewarding. I feel very fortunate to work for an organization whose mission is centered around connecting people to causes that matter. We have the great privilege of helping people give back through the creation of charitable funds that benefit effective nonprofit organizations doing important work in our community and beyond. Working for the FM Area Foundation has given me the opportunity to work with caring and philanthropic individuals, as well as the many dedicated and passionate people in the nonprofit sector.

Three unique facts about yourself

Have ridden the tallest rollercoaster in North America.
My dog is named Scout after a character in my all-time favorite book, “To Kill a Mockingbird.”
I have never been stung by a bee. Pure luck, I guess!

What are some of your favorite things about the Fargo-Moorhead area?

There are so many things to love about Fargo-Moorhead. I have always appreciated the leaders in our community who make themselves accessible. Leaders in our area come together on a regular basis to collaborate and have dialogue about important issues. Now more than ever, that will be the way forward as we work to make Fargo-Moorhead an even more welcoming and inclusive community.

If you weren’t working in your current profession, what would you be doing?

I would be a film critic! I love movies/tv series and would love to have studied film so I could discuss and understand it on a deeper level.

What are some things you like to do in your spare time?

In my free time, I like to go downtown to get coffee or have dinner at one of the wonderful restaurants. Downtown is bustling with activity no matter the time of day. We’re fortunate to have such a lively downtown. MB Johnson Park in north Moorhead is also a favorite spot of mine, and I enjoy going there with my husband, son and dog for long walks. It is a beautiful park with lots of green space and trails near the river. I attend classes at Crossfit Fargo a few nights a week. I also love family movie nights and there is nothing quite like sitting down with a good book.

What are three books or podcasts you recommend people check out?

“Where the Crawdads Sing” – for those who enjoy good fiction!
“Educated” – a fascinating memoir.
The Dave Ramsey Show – a podcast for those interested in finding ways to tackle debt.

If you could change or impact one thing in our business community, what would it be?

I would love for people to know they have the power to make a big difference by creating a charitable fund or leaving a gift through their estate plan. These are easy yet extremely beneficial ways to help strengthen the FM area now and for future generations. At the FM Area Foundation, we help individuals, families and businesses with their charitable giving and find solutions for each person’s financial and philanthropic goals. Whether you want to create a scholarship fund to benefit students entering a specific field, a Donor Advised Fund named after your business or a family fund to carry on your family’s tradition of giving, there are so many ways to make a difference. Our purpose is to help people discover how they can support the causes they care about and leave a meaningful legacy.

Why work with Fargo INC?

Fargo INC. shines a light on the many wonderful businesses and nonprofit organizations in our area. The articles in Fargo INC. offer a behind-the-scenes look to help better understand the individuals and companies that add to the vibrancy of our community.

What are three business tips you can give?