As talent manager for River City Construction, Betsy Larson is responsible for all HR functions within the company across three offices and 350 team members. Her work encompasses everything from hiring, recruitment and onboarding, to employee experience, development and engagement, to performance reviews and personnel mitigation. Working directly with company ownership, she is a one-person team handling all things personnel-related—the first HR manager in the company’s history.
In her previous role at Advanced Technology Services (ATS), Larson worked her way up from associate recruiter to employee experience specialist, where she served as the face of the firm’s culture initiatives. She has been actively involved in supporting the Heart of Illinois United Way at both organizations, chairing its campaign at ATS and serving as co-chair of United Way and philanthropic work at River City.
Outside of the workplace, Larson is active in a variety of community and charitable efforts related to youth development. She is currently chairperson for Junior Achievement of Central Illinois’ Young Professionals Board and was recently nominated to become a member of the organization’s board of directors. She is also a JA classroom volunteer and helped lead the organization’s virtual volunteer program that launched during the pandemic.
In addition to volunteering her time as a Big Sister, Larson serves as president of the Heart of Illinois Big Brothers Big Sisters Leadership Council, helping children realize their potential and build their futures. She was recently nominated to join the HOIBBBS Board of Directors starting in January 2022. A current participant in the Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce Community Leadership School, she volunteers regularly to take on challenges that stretch her and allow her to grow as a professional. With a bright personality and positive attitude, she is a champion for efforts to build a better future for Peoria. PM
