Get to know the leadership team behind the mission! This month, we sat down with a member of Living for Zachary’s Board of Directors to hear about their role and give you a look at just one of many passionate people who lead Team L4Z each year.
August Larson
August, tell us a bit about yourself.
I grew up in Pampa, TX, which is a small town in the panhandle. I attended West Texas A&M where I played basketball and graduated with my Bachelor’s in business. I moved to Dallas after college and have been working for AMN Healthcare for the past 18 years. My wife, Laurie, has also worked for AMN for 18 years. AMN is where we met. We live in Trophy Club with our 7-year-old daughter, Reagan, 4-year-old son, Reid, and 2 miniature dachshunds, Sadie and Maverick.
What do you do for work?
I am a Division Vice President for AMN Healthcare, which is a healthcare staffing company. We help staff hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, Home Health Agencies, outpatient clinics with health healthcare professionals on a temporary or permanent basis.
How and when did you first become involved with Living for Zachary’s mission?
I was invited to the Gala in 2012 by fellow Board Member and best friend, Darian Jones. After attending the Gala and getting to know the family we were blown away by Karen and fell in love with the mission. Over last 10 years we became more and more involved until I decided to really try and make a difference by joining the Board of Directors.
What made you interested in joining the Board of Directors?
I have been involved with things behind the scenes to help with the mission and raise money for L4Z for many years. In 2022, I was really wanting to get out of my comfort zone plus make more of an impact through this great organization. Joining the Board was a great way for me to grow as a person and do more to advance the mission of L4Z at the same time.
Why are you passionate about preventing sudden cardiac arrest in youth?
I have kids of my own and I can’t imagine what it would be like to go through what Karen, and so many other parents, have experienced. Every year the stories of lives saved because of L4Z’s programs make me fall further in love with the organization and the mission.
What aspect of this mission excites you the most? What do you envision for the future?
I envision us saving more kids’ lives and raising greater awareness of SCA in our community. I would love to see every school, college campus, office and public park have AEDs readily available. It would be great if we could get to a point where every child is required to be screened for heart issues before they start middle school as part of their physical to play sports.
Aside from the Board of Directors, are you currently involved with Living for Zachary’s mission in other ways?
Yes, I am currently serving as Chair for the 2023 Gala Sponsorship Committee. It’s going to be an amazing night!
What is your favorite L4Z event?
The Gala is my favorite event. I love everything the evening has to offer and it’s a perfect platform for me to introduce new people to this mission and help raise funds so we can continue to save lives from SCA.
Thank you, August, for your dedication to Living for Zachary’s mission and your service on the Board of Directors!