Larry Olmstead

Transformational leader with four decades of excellence in media, non-profit leadership and organizational development.

Foundation & Early Career

Larry Olmstead grew up in New York, graduating from the prestigious Bronx High School of Science. After studying journalism and political science at George Washington University, Larry embarked on a successful media career that would span decades and earn national recognition.

Media Leadership Excellence

Larry rose through the ranks of some of America's leading news organizations:

City Editor, Detroit Free Press
Special Projects Editor, The New York Times
Managing Editor, Miami Herald
Assistant Vice President, Human Resources and Diversity, Knight Ridder
Vice President, Organizational Development, Knight Ridder

Shared in three Pulitzer Prizes during his journalism career

Pulitzer finalist for foreign correspondence in apartheid South Africa

Entrepreneurial Leadership

After the sale of Knight Ridder in 2006, Larry launched Leading Edge Associates, a consulting firm specializing in leadership and organizational development, executive coaching, and equity and diversity. This marked his transition from media leadership to organizational transformation expertise.

Non-Profit Transformation

Following his passion for public service, Larry joined United Way Silicon Valley in 2010, rising to Vice President for Organizational Development. In 2016, he was named President & CEO of United Way of Northern California, based in Redding.

Growth in staff, programs, revenue and clients served

Under Larry's leadership, the agency experienced unprecedented growth, expanding its impact more than five-fold while navigating multiple challenges including wildfire disasters and the pandemic. Larry retired from the CEO position in March 2025 but continues to advise the agency as a consultant.

Larry Olmstead with United Way colleagues at the U.S. Capitol — Larry with United Way colleagues at the U.S. Capitol.

Teaching, Education & Writing

Larry has taught and participated in executive development programs at Northwestern and Harvard universities. In 2026, he earned a BS in Business Administration from Simpson University, with a focus on Organizational Leadership.

He is the author of How to be an Awesome Boss: Intentional Strategies that Produce Results—and Respect, a practical guide to intentional people management.

Larry Olmstead holding copies of How to be an Awesome Boss — Larry with copies of How to be an Awesome Boss.

Community & Personal Life

Larry has served on numerous civic and professional boards through the years and is a past co-chair of the International Women's Media Foundation, the Florida Society of Newspaper Editors, and 211 California. Currently Larry sits on the Board of Directors of United Ways of California, and on the Citizens Advisory Board of the California Highway Patrol.

Larry Olmstead with community members at a local event — Larry with community members at a local event.

Larry is deeply involved in tennis, holding instructor certifications from the Professional Tennis Registry. He has served in numerous volunteer roles for the United States Tennis Association, including regional Board member and national committee member for recreational league play.

Larry lives in Redding, California with his wife, Michele Chandler. The couple have two grown children and remain actively engaged in their community.

Ready to Transform Your Organization?

Leverage Larry's four decades of leadership experience to drive meaningful change in your organization.

Schedule a Consultation