We are mourning the passing of a great man, Jack Larson who, for us, was the prominent figure in Rural Transportation for over 20 years. Jack began his career at AEOA working in the Senior Services and Employment and Training departments, and in February 1999 he was promoted to the Director’s position for AEOA’s Transit department operating under the name Arrowhead Transit.
During Jack’s tenure at Arrowhead Transit, the transit agency expanded from 7 counties in the Arrowhead Region of Greater Minnesota to 10 counties including all the counties along the border of Minnesota and Wisconsin from Cook County to Chisago County. Under Jack’s leadership, Arrowhead Transit also built a robust medical riders program utilizing volunteer drivers and currently provides thousands of rides annually for insurance companies and multiple social service providers. Arrowhead Transit is what it is today, one of the largest rural transit systems in the country, directly because of his dedication, innovation, and leadership.
In Jack’s 25 years working for AEOA, he established his reputation for building relationships with community stakeholders as well as state and local leaders, serving on his local Public Utilities Commission, Police Commission, Community Recreation Board, ATPs, and served 2 terms as a member of the Minnesota Public Transit Association board.
For me personally, Jack was a pivotal leader and mentor. The leadership skills I learned from Jack have made me into the person I am today. He was one of the most prominent influences in my professional life and continued to support and advise me, even after his retirement in 2023. I can state very assuredly that there are many more people both inside and outside AEOA and Arrowhead Transit that would reflect the same sentiments that I am. I will miss having Jack around as both a mentor and a friend. The world is a better place for everyone thanks to Jack.