Remembering our Friend and Co-Author, Jerry Larson, EdD, MBA

It is with heavy hearts that Mission & Data acknowledges the passing of our friend, mentor, and colleague, Jerry Larson, Ed.D., MBA.

As the managing partner at Educational Directions, Jerry was a steward in the truest sense and a trusted partner for heads and trustees. Jerry believed deeply in the power of good governance and effective leadership, especially through shared accountability in the head and board partnership.

Jerry was generous with his time and knowledge, freely sharing his expertise because he knew that with authentic and intentional collaboration, we could all serve our schools better. That spirit of generosity was extended to many of us at Mission & Data. Jerry counseled Ari Betof on the development of his consulting practice, Organizational Sustainability Consulting, and later Ari and Kelsey Vrooman after they formed Mission & Data. Some of our favorite projects have been Mission & Data and Educational Directions collaborations in support of a mutual client.

Jerry and Anne-Marie Balzano, Ed.D were writing partners who published articles and presented at conferences across the country. As Mission & Data grew, Jerry took the time to share his insights with our new colleagues, helping them to understand the joys and challenges that come with consulting.

Serving the greater good was a hallmark of Jerry’s leadership and he did so with grace, candor, and kindness. Jerry’s openness, generosity, and inclination towards collaboration for the greater good are lessons that we pay forward in gratitude.

Jerry embodied the Quaker idea of “walking in the Light wherever you may be” and it was a gift to be in the orbit of his glow. Although much shorter than any of us would have wished, may we all live a life as generous and joyful as Jerry’s - and as impactful for all of us who knew him.

Rest well, Jerry. We will miss you.