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NAMA's Sandy Larson to retire after 24 years

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September 9, 2020

Sandy Larson

Sandy Larson, senior director and counsel of government affairs at the National Automatic Merchandising Association, will retire at the end of 2020 after 24 years of service, according to a press release.

Larson began her career at NAMA in 1996 as director and counsel for the western region, where she oversaw government affairs and advocacy issues and managed state councils in Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming. In 2010 she was named senior director of state affairs, and over the last decade expanded her management of state government affairs in Iowa, Kansas, Missouri Minnesota and Texas.

"Sandy's contributions to the industry are invaluable," Carla Balakgie, NAMA president and CEO, said in the press release. "Over her extensive career at NAMA she has secured substantial savings for operator companies by ensuring the retention of tax exemptions across many states. Sandy was also instrumental in expanding state grassroots programs, enhancing the value of state lobby days and forging crucial relationships between industry members and legislators across the many jurisdictions she managed."

"It has been a wonderful journey and now it's time for my next adventure. I'm looking forward to spending more time with my family and volunteering with organizations close to my heart. Thank you, Team NAMA, for all the memories," Larson said.

Larson started her career in non-profit working for United Way and the Boys and Girls Club of Pasadena. As an attorney, she moved into private practice in family law, and later served as deputy trial counsel for the California State Bar. She is a graduate of UCLA and Southwestern Law School. Larson lives in Sunland, CA with her husband.