Keith Larson – CFO and CBO, AllHealth Network; Board President – Colorado Medical Group Management Association (MGMA); Veteran
Keith Larson grew up in a rural community where his father was a laborer. He then spent four years in the U.S. Air Force as an electrician on spy planes. That move made all the difference.
“The Air Force gave me direction and better views of the world and made me want to have a career instead of just doing a job,” says Larson, who nine years ago joined AllHealth Network as a consultant before staying on as CFO and CBO. “It taught me some very good technical skills, but also leadership skills and a different perspective than a small kid from southern Minnesota. The military gives you wings to see the rest of the world.”
Larson’s post-Air Force world included undergrad work at the University of Wisconsin and graduate school at Iowa State, where he studied Industrial Engineering. His career began at Proctor & Gamble and would span corporate stints with multinational companies. He was also CFO for a holding company with 35 companies, ultimately bringing him to Denver.
Rather than rejoining the corporate world, Larson became a consultant, which took him around the world and included a friend asking him if he could help fix the finances of the then-Arapahoe Douglas Mental Health Network. That was nine years ago.
“The cause is incredibly compelling and contagious, so after working a long and successful business career, utilizing my experiences to help the AllHealth employees, the community, and clients has been very rewarding for me,” says Larson. “As an engineer, I am a problem solver, so the idea of helping people with the most need at the end of my career is very fulfilling.”
Since joining AllHealth in 2015, Larson has helped the organization grow from $30 million in revenue to almost $90 million, supported a jump in employment from 300 to 700 employees, and helped introduce a sophisticated I.T. system.
“Our employees and leadership have been able to develop new programs and care for clients, especially those with the greatest needs,” says Larson.
Q: As a veteran, what does it mean to you to see programs available for veterans from AllHealth and other organizations?
A: I was in the Air Force during the Vietnam War. We screwed up the lives and mindsets of so many young people. They fought for the USA and deserve support, as do all veterans. We owe it to them, and I am so happy we can be part of that support.
Q: What do you consider your most outstanding achievement?
A: I have been fortunate enough to be involved in many important projects, including acquiring large companies, building startups, and revamping organizations for success. Of all the projects I have participated in, I feel the most satisfaction from closing on the New Market Tax Credit for AllHealth Network with Randy Booton, Vice President of Finance. This project gives AllHealth more financial stability, allowing them to serve many more high-needs and underserved clients. I am totally captivated by the AllHealth cause.
Q: What is one of your top priorities right now?
A: Completing the integration of a Commercial Insurance Division, Integrating Harmony (AllHealth’s substance use residential treatment center in Estes Park), finding a new home for the Acute Care Center, achieving a second round of a New Market Tax Credit and helping to build a strategic plan for the next 5 years or so.
Q: Who is a hero of yours?
A: My spouse, Sharon, has always been there and stayed true to her values through the many ups and downs. She has been a strong support through everything. Who else would tolerate me for 52 years?
Q: Who is the most interesting person you have ever met?
A: Mohammad Ali. I briefly met him at the Portland Airport, and the brief encounter has stuck with me forever. Talk about someone who was treated so poorly and stayed with his values. I can’t even imagine how hard it was to get pushed around like that and was still true to what he believed in.
Q: What is something a lot of people don’t know about you?
A: I am a certified Sommelier and ride a unicycle.
Q: What or who has changed your life?
A: The United States Air Force changed my life. I was a scrappy kid from the farmlands of Minnesota. My only ambition was to work on the Coors beer line until the USAF drilled in me goals and ambition.
Q: What is the best advice you have ever received?
A: Live by your values. You will get pushed and maybe even off your values, but get back on the saddle as fast as you can. Life is hard, but you can be tougher.
Q: What is your motto?
A: Get engaged early, work hard, and finish strong.
Q: We are grateful for your support of the AllHealth Foundation. What inspires your generosity? Why are you philanthropic?
A: I am all in for supporting AllHealth. I have focused a big part of my giving to this amazing organization. I have worked hard in my career but also have had many opportunities and great support. It is so fulfilling to give back and support our employees, who are so good at helping our clients.
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