As a legislative coordinator and lobbyist, Ellen Larson is the glue that holds our public affairs team together. Her political acumen and project management skills ensure that our team consistently delivers results for our clients at the Minnesota Capitol and in their communities. Read on to learn about her experiences before joining Goff, where you might find her in the summer and more.
1. Before working at Goff, what was your most unique or interesting job?
I did a lot of work in the sports industry during college. When the Super Bowl was in Minnesota, I staffed “Super Bowl Live,” which was the giant expo at the Minneapolis Convention Center.
2. What is the best career advice you’ve ever received?
At the Capitol, the most important thing is your integrity. People will notice.
3. What was the most unusual legislative session you’ve covered and why?
The craziest session I’ve ever covered was 2020, when I was a legislative assistant. I worked for a member who was elected that January in a special election, and the Legislature went fully virtual in mid-March before returning to a special session once a month because of the peacetime emergency.
4. What are you reading, watching or listening to these days?
Right now, I’m reading “Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow” by Gabrielle Zevin. I’ve been listening to a lot of Joni Mitchell and Bob Dylan.
5. What trivia category do you always crush it in?
I’m good* at most categories in trivia, but geography is one of my best. [*Editor’s note: Ellen is being too humble – her trivia knowledge is legendary around the Goffice.]
6. Where is your favorite place in the world?
I am a homebody and a Saint Paul lifer. There’s nothing I love like a walk down Summit Avenue at sunset in the summer.
7. What’s one thing you can’t live without?
My bike! My whole family loves to bike, so on the weekend in the summer we’ll do a “bike and brew” and ride 20-30 miles to a few different taprooms. My sister and I love biking out to the western suburbs and Lake Minnetonka.