Kelly Larson
Strategic Communications Executive
Building trust, connecting people, and helping organizations navigate change through clear, compelling communications.
Building trust, connecting people, and helping organizations navigate change through clear, compelling communications.
Speechwriting and executive communications for the people at the top.
From my early years, I earned the moniker of "talker," until an unforgettable encounter with my teacher's duct tape in second grade taught me the transformative power of listening.
I've spent nearly three decades helping organizations communicate with clarity, navigate change, and build trust with the people who matter most.
My father spent over 30 years with one employer, and growing up I saw how much of a life gets lived at work, and how much it matters that people feel respected, informed, and able to trust what they are told. That conviction has shaped my career in corporate communications, employee engagement, and marketing, and my belief that trust begins with authentic connection.
My career has taken me across technology, health care, financial services, and mission-driven organizations, where I've advised executives, built communications functions, led teams, and helped translate complex business priorities into stories that inform, engage, and inspire action.
Whether guiding communications through organizational transformation, helping leaders connect with employees, or translating sophisticated medical research into compelling narratives, I believe effective communication begins with listening. Understanding people, their perspectives, concerns, and aspirations, is what makes meaningful communication possible.
Today I serve as Senior Director, Foundation Communications at Swedish Foundation in Seattle, part of Providence Swedish. Across every role, the work has been the same at its core: clear, honest communication that helps people understand, trust, and act.
Helping senior leaders communicate vision, strategy, organizational priorities, and change.
Building communications strategies and channels that strengthen employee understanding, connection, and trust.
Guiding communications through growth, acquisitions, integration, restructuring, and organizational evolution.
Creating compelling narratives that connect organizational purpose with audiences and stakeholders.
Building communications functions, developing talent, and aligning teams around organizational objectives.
Translating sophisticated clinical, scientific, and technological subjects into clear, credible communications.
Lead communications strategy and a multidisciplinary team supporting Providence Swedish's philanthropic priorities and a 10-year comprehensive fundraising campaign. Serve as a strategic communications advisor to executive, clinical, and philanthropy leaders, developing executive speeches, leadership messaging, campaign narratives, and communications that connect organizational priorities with community impact.
Partner with physicians, researchers, and clinical leaders to translate complex medical research, innovation, and patient care into credible, compelling narratives that build trust and inspire philanthropic support.
Directed internal communications strategy and execution, working with executive leadership to inform, connect, and engage a national workforce.
Established internal communications strategy and channels as nine Providence investments and acquisitions came together to form an independent health care technology company. Helped leaders communicate organizational change, build a shared identity, and strengthen employee connection during a period of transformation.
Led communications, marketing, and culture initiatives for a health care technology business serving independent hospitals and clinics. Worked closely with business and technology leaders, connecting the organization's priorities with Providence's broader IT organization of approximately 3,000 professionals.
Built transparent, integrated communications for a publicly held international organization; served as company spokesperson and guided social media and charitable giving.
Created internal communication channels and strategy giving employees, physicians, and leaders clarity about Sanford's identity, aspirations, and values.
Led corporate communications, brand management, acquisition messaging, public relations, and corporate positioning for one of the nation's largest equipment dealers.
Wrote and led strategic communications for Microsoft Business Solutions, including executive speeches and presentations, acquisition communications, and customer success stories for customers and partners worldwide.
Reflections on executive communications, organizational trust, leadership, employee engagement, and a changing profession.
Insights coming soon.
I'm always interested in connecting with leaders who believe thoughtful communication can strengthen organizations, build trust, and make a meaningful difference.
Send me a note here, or connect on LinkedIn.