Phoebe larson

Ethics & Compliance / strategic communications

phoebe
larson

about

With over 20 years of strategic communications experience, I specialize in ethics and compliance, crafting impactful training programs for organizations worldwide. I am dedicated to fostering inclusive workplace cultures based on transparency and trust.

Before honing my focus on ethics and compliance, I had the privilege of collaborating with diverse organizations and individuals, enriching my professional network.

A perpetual learner, I cherish opportunities to amplify voices, shape workplace culture, and contribute to my community through strategic communications, continuous improvement, and unwavering dedication to ethics and integrity.

Below is an overview of my career to date. Download my resume for a formal outline of my experience and click here to view samples of my work. You can also find testimonials from my employers, clients, and colleagues.

Thank you for your interest in my work!

 

Experience

Senior Content Developer, Rethink Compliance

April 2021 - present

Rethink Compliance provides ethics and compliance advisory services and training courses to companies worldwide. A certified women-owned business, Inc. Magazine named it among the top fastest-growing private companies in the nation. For me, it's a dream job, not just because of the company's amazing trajectory but because it allows me to leverage my diverse skillset in a truly impactful way.

I get to collaborate with some of the brightest minds in business and entrepreneurship and use my creative and analytical muscles in an entirely new way. I craft custom ethics and compliance training courses for a diverse clientele across healthcare, technology, government, and Fortune 500 sectors.

My role goes beyond just writing. I work closely with course designers and developers to create compelling and interactive educational experiences aligned with clients’ goals and brand identity. Partnering with subject matter experts, I ensure the content is not only engaging but also meticulously accurate. My strength is translating complex legal and policy jargon into plain language and crafting relatable scenarios to explain risks and secure employee comprehension.

Communications Manager, The McKnight Foundation

February 2020 - April 2021

My passion for equity and inclusion led me to The McKnight Foundation, where I served as Communications Manager. Its mission — to advance a just, creative, and abundant world where people and the planet thrive — resonated deeply with me.

My arrival coincided with Minnesota's COVID-19 lockdown, and while my onboarding took an unexpected turn, it also presented a unique opportunity. Leveraging my adaptability and communication skills, I spearheaded the development and execution of internal, board, and grantee-facing COVID-19 communication plans. It was a crash course in executing crisis plans, and I thrived on the challenge.

Communications Director, Saint Paul Public LIbrary

December 2016 - February 2020

I was honored to serve as Communications Director for Saint Paul Public Library, a position that solidified my values, broadened my perspective, and deepened my connection to community. With an emphasis on removing barriers to Library access and ensuring that all people feel seen, safe, and welcome in Library spaces, I engaged in profoundly meaningful work. Highlights included:

  • Eliminating overdue fines and restoring Library access to nearly 50,000 people. (Learn more at sppl.org/fine-free.) I led my team in the creation of a comprehensive communications campaign that moved from public awareness and learning to bold promotion, which won Library Journal’s 2019 Marketer of the Year, Honorable Mention award.

  • Launching Read Brave Saint Paul, a citywide, intergenerational reading program set around a common theme relevant to the City. The 2018 theme was homelessness and housing insecurity. The 2019 theme is “Our Climate Crisis.” (Learn more at sppl.org/readbrave.)

  • Engaging nearly 3,000 community members in developing the Library’s 2019-2022 strategic direction. (Learn more at sppl.org/2022.)

In addition to serving as the Library’s Communications Director, I also chaired its Adult Program Committee, leading a team of 10 staff members in curating community informed events, programs, and activities that share, reflect, and honor the diversity of our city.

Marketing strategist, metropolitan airports commission

June 2014 - December 2016

As the reigning Best Airport in North America for three consecutive years, MSP Airport epitomized a dynamic working environment.

At the time, the Airport was in the midst of a significant transformation, adding 80 new retailers and restaurants, and I was thrilled to be part of it. My communications and creative skills came into play as I oversaw content creation and crafted print and digital marketing strategies to entice travelers to explore MSP's many offerings.

But my contributions went beyond traditional marketing. I envisioned, built, and maintained the Airport's digital magazine, FLY, which grew into a vibrant platform for visitors.

I also oversaw marketing for MSP's impressive $90 million/year parking operation. My role included crafting messaging for “Park MSP,” the on-site parking program, and spearheading the launch of the Quick Ride Ramp, the Airport's park-and-ride initiative. It was rewarding to contribute to a smoother travel experience for everyone, and I still see much of my work in play at the Airport today.

Communications Consultant

August 2012 - October 2017

In 2012 I took the plunge and launched my own freelance writing and communications consulting business. I consider this my on-the-ground MBA. I worked for clients that ranged from colleges and universities to nonprofit organizations such as Girl Scouts River Valleys and Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center , budding companies like One Love Organics, advertising agencies like Creed Interactive, and corporations, including Slumberland Furniture, General Mills, and St. Jude Medical (now Abbott).

What’s the commonality between colleges, skincare companies, Girl Scouts, and major corporations? They all lean on creative content and storytelling to communicate their objectives. Stories are how people connect, share, inspire, and generate trust. They are the foundation of my work.

Editorial director, hamline university

June 2009 - August 2012

As Editorial Director for Hamline University, I stretched my wings. I had recently completed a Master of Arts in Strategic Communications degree from the University of Minnesota, and had increased my confidence and ability to write and oversee creative direction after five years as Associate Editor for Carleton College.

At Hamline, I worked with an incredible team of creative professionals from strategic communicators to graphic and web designers to events planners. Together, we transformed the Hamline brand through print, digital, and environmental marketing and on-site experiences.

During my tenure, I redesigned Hamline Magazine and won a 2011 Minnesota Magazine and Publishing Association Gold Award for my efforts. I also earned the 2012 Richard P. Bailey Memorial Award in Journalism from the University.

Associate editor, carleton college

November 2004 - June 2009

My role as Associate Editor for Carleton College was pivotal to my growth. I became a better writer, creative thinker, and strategist, working with other writers, graphic designers, photographers, illustrators, and printers. I discovered it is not only the words on the page that tell the story, but also the visual elements, photography, and layout that brings it to life.

My former manager at Carleton is among my most important professional mentors. When I left the College to assume the role of Editorial Director for Hamline University, we remained creative partners and collaborated on several initiatives for Carleton, served as a consulting team for outside organizations, and co-presented at several industry conferences.

AssistaNT EDITOR, GREENSPRING MEDIA GROUP

March 2003 - November 2004

Greenspring Media Group provided my foundation — and my very first byline! I covered restaurant and retail openings, fashion, and travel for the publisher’s many magazines and resources, including Where Twin Cities, Meetings: Minnesota’s Hospitality Journal, and Twin Cities Living.

 

Insights Discovery

Green
Yellow
Blue
Red

People who lead with green are characterized as caring, encouraging, sharing, patient, and calm. They value differences, are skilled in conflict resolution, and are curious and keen observers of life.


DISC

Steadiness (S)

S styles are motivated by cooperation, opportunities to help, and sincere appreciation. They are often described as even-tempered, supportive, and tactful.


Training

Intercultural development inventory (IDI)

The IDI assesses intercultural competence — the ability to shift cultural perspective and appropriately adapt behavior to cultural differences and commonalities. I took the IDI in 2019 and have since embarked on a learning plan to deepen my understanding and advance on the IDI continuum.


Workplace efficacy

I engaged in yearlong coursework with Interculturalist, LLC, a local social enterprise dedicated to helping organizations create workplace efficacy and inclusion, embrace diversity in every job function, and build an interculturally competent workforce.


Organizational change management

In 2019 I received an Organizational Change Leadership certificate from the Vreeman Consulting Team, learning how to align people and engage employees to achieve the greatest success through transition.


Supervisors academy

I completed the City of Saint Paul’s “Supervisors Academy” in 2019. Through this 12-week course, led, in part, by Common Sense Consulting @ Work, I gained skills in promoting a respectful workplace, effective problem solving and conflict resolution, supervision through an equity lens, and communication and coaching for performance.




Education

university of minnesota, minneapolis

M.A. STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS
Graduated August 2008 (GPA 3.9/4.0)

 

salt institute For documentary studies, PORTLand, ME

CERTIFICATE IN DOCUMENTARY WRITING
Graduated December 2002

 

Bates college, lewiston, ME

B.A. ENGLISH
Graduated June 2001 (GPA 3.6/4.0)

Awards

Library Journal

2019 Marketer of the Year, Honorable Mention

Hamline University

2012 Richard P. Bailey Memorial Award in Journalism

Minnesota Magazine and publishing association

2011 Gold Award, Hamline Magazine


Work

Promotional Campaigns

Comprehensive strategic communications campaigns I developed to advance institutional priorities and initiatives.

Eliminating Library Late Fines

Set the strategy for and executed an expansive communications campaign for the elimination of Library overdue fines. Moved from a public awareness campaign, creating transparency and learning with the community, to a bold, multi-platform (print, web, social, digital, environmental) marketing campaign. The Library’s website, sppl.org/fine-free and accompanying print documents, have been cited as a go-to resource for other library systems exploring this policy change.

Library Strategic Direction

Led the communications creation and strategy for the Library’s 2019-22 strategic direction, including communication to staff members, stakeholders, and the community. Crafted mission/vision/values statements based on community input; interviewed stakeholders; helped to facilitate public listening sessions; wrote and project managed final report.

Read Brave Saint Paul

Aided in the expansion of the Library’s Read Brave program from a teen-focused program within local schools to a citywide, intergenerational program and partnership between the Mayor’s Office, Saint Paul Public Schools, The Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library, and more than 20 community groups with a reach exceeding 5,000 people.


digital content

Content I have written for blogs, websites, and digital platforms.

Slumberland Furniture design guides

Partnered with Creed Interactive Digital Agency to develop a content-marketing strategy for Slumberland Furniture. Wrote all articles and video scripts for the resulting product, “Design Tools.”

Betty Crocker

Contributed articles to a General Mills/BettyCrocker.com content-marketing tactic to provide party planning and menu ideas for a variety of themed events.


 


 

Testimonials

Phoebe is a consummate professional and a genuinely idealistic partner. She always comes prepared with an approach that includes a multitude of options. As a creative, she takes critical feedback in stride. She is incredibly organized, shapes and commits to critical dates, and ensures that the final product satisfies the mission and goals for every initiative. I have worked with very few professionals as focused, committed and as inherently talented as Phoebe.
— Liz Grzechowiak, former Metropolitan Airports (MAC) internal client

Phoebe is not only a joy to work with, but she’s also an extremely talented communications professional. She’s an exceptional writer, has great ideas and a phenomenal work ethic. I feel fortunate that I had the opportunity to work with her at the MAC and that she remains a trusted resource for me in our field.
— Lindsay Scherer, former Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) colleague

Phoebe is a dream colleague — a collaborator you can count on to bring engaging ideas, powerful work ethic, smarts, and effective communication to any project, all while keeping the greater goals in mind. On top of that, she has a keen sense of perspective and helps to keep those around her grounded in what’s important and what’s not. She’s a joy to work with, and I consider her one of my best coworkers.
— Christine Berg Schroeder, former Hamline University colleague

Phoebe is the kind of colleague who makes you cook up projects just so you can work with her. She approaches every project with an enthusiasm and a kind of roll-up-your-sleeves attitude that is infectious and motivating. She really cares about the quality of the work, but also about the people and processes along the way. She has a knack for getting under the surface of a brand and transforming it in a way that connects with every audience. Her creativity assures her communications shine with polish and pizzazz. Any organization could count their lucky stars to have Phoebe’s talents among them.
— Kristen Neurer, former Hamline University colleague

Phoebe is a master at crafting messages that resonate with an array of audiences, whether this is a high school senior or alumnus from the 1960s, she was is always able to reach them. Her ability to tell the Hamline story to potential students was a key element in their undergraduate enrollment effort. She is a skilled strategic communicator with a strong ability to develop content for marketing and promotional purposes.
— John Pyle, former Hamline University VP of Marketing and Communications