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Press Release

Sandy Larson to Retire After Career at NAMA

CHICAGO — September 7, 2020 — Today NAMA announces that Sandy Larson, Senior Director and Counsel, Government Affairs, will retire at the end of 2020 after 24 years of service.

Larson began her career at NAMA in 1996 as director and counsel for the western region, where she oversaw government affairs and advocacy issues and managed state councils in Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. In 2010 she was named Senior Director of State Affairs, and over the last decade expanded her management of state government affairs in Iowa, Kansas, Missouri Minnesota and Texas.

“Sandy’s contributions to the industry are invaluable. Over her extensive career at NAMA she has secured substantial savings for operator companies by ensuring the retention of tax exemptions across many states. Sandy was also instrumental in expanding state grassroots programs, enhancing the value of state lobby days and forging crucial relationships between industry members and legislators across the many jurisdictions she managed. We wish Sandy the very best in her retirement, knowing she will be able to enjoy more time with her family, including her two grandchildren,” said Carla Balakgie, NAMA President and CEO.

“I have spent the better part of my career at NAMA and have truly enjoyed helping our industry grow and serving our members daily. Through my work with our state councils, I have had the pleasure of developing close and long-standing relationships with members across the country. I’m thankful I could help them connect with their legislators and host state and federal representatives at their businesses, so lawmakers have a greater understanding of their constituents and the value of the convenience services industry,” Larson said.

“I will miss our members, my fellow NAMA colleagues, and convening each year at our major events. It has been a wonderful journey and now it’s time for my next adventure. I’m looking forward to spending more time with my family and volunteering with organizations close to my heart. Thank you, Team NAMA, for all the memories,” she concluded.

Larson started her career in non-profit working for United Way and the Boys and Girls Club of Pasadena. As an attorney, she moved into private practice in family law, and later served as Deputy Trial Counsel for the California State Bar. She is a graduate of UCLA and Southwestern Law School. Larson lives in Sunland, CA with her husband.

NAMA represents the $34.9 billion U.S. Convenience Services Industry. By providing advocacy, education, and research, NAMA works to promote and protect the industry’s over 160,000 hardworking employees. Through traditional vending and micro markets, office coffee and pantry services, product manufacturing, and small-drop distribution, convenience services meets the needs of over 40 million American consumers daily at work, home, school, and play.

NICOLE TARDIF
Senior Director, Communications & Marketing
[email protected]