Lars is co-founder and principal of Ballinger | Leafblad, Inc. a Saint Paul, Minnesota-based (595 Selby Ave) executive search and leadership transitions consulting firm serving civic clients (foundations, nonprofits, higher education institutions and membership associations). Prior to co-founding Ballinger | Leafblad, Inc., he was Leadership & Engagement Director at the MN-based Bush Foundation, where he directed the Bush Fellowship leadership programs. He has also served as Development Director at the University of Minnesota's Humphrey School of Public Affairs. He earned a BA in Economics from St. Olaf College, an MBA from the Carlson School of Management and was a Humphrey Policy Fellow in 2008-09. He also spent two summers in college on the National Touring BBQ Team for Famous Dave's of America competing in BBQ competitions across the US.Lars is a former board member of CaringBridge.org and a Qualified Administrator of the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI). He currently serves on the Advisory Council of the Center for Integrative Leadership at the University of Minnesota. He lives in Shoreview, MN and is Dad to four exceptional kids. In his free time he loves being a "Volleyball Dad", reading, playing poker, and is a novice "rock-hound"​ who loves hunting for MN's state gemstone, Lake Superior Agate.