“Larry Ladd is a “Giver.”

Adam Grant, Wharton School Professor of Management and Psychology and author of Give and Take, says you are a Giver if “you strive to be generous in sharing your time, energy, knowledge, skills, ideas, and connections with other people who can benefit from them.” Larry Ladd does this as a Unitarian Universalist.

I first met Larry when I was working as CFO and Treasurer at Wayne State University in Detroit. We hired him to consult on changes we were considering to our budget model. He brought his expertise in finance, strategy, and governance to bear on our challenges and he was able to “speak truth to power” in a way that was difficult for those of us who were internal to the University.

Meanwhile, when I was reviewing his credentials, I was surprised to learn that Larry is a Unitarian Universalist. This was the first time in my career that I had met another UU “in the wild.” When he discovered that I was retiring, he immediately asked me what I was planning to do in retirement with an eye toward connecting me to volunteer work. In 2021, using his network of UU connections, he matched me with an opening on the Board of the Starr King School for Ministry where I currently serve as Treasurer and Chair of the Finance Committee.

Since that time, I have discovered how deeply Larry is connected to the UU community. Whenever I mention his name, he is recognized and appreciated for his commitment and service to our denomination. And Larry has continued to help Starr King when asked. His professional expertise was invaluable and freely given as we successfully mapped out the process to search for a new President for Starr King.

Larry deeply understands the challenges that face our denomination at this critical time in our country’s history. I am confident that in serving on the UUA Board, he will use his “time, energy, knowledge, skills, ideas, and connections” to further our denomination. He is, truly, a Giver.”

Rebecca Cooke

Trustee, Treasurer, and Finance Chair, Starr King School for the Ministry

Past Chief Financial Officer, Wayne State University

“I am slow on this endorsement because I respect the Nominating Committee’s deliberations and wanted to do my own due diligence before endorsing my long-time friend Larry Ladd. After talking with him at some length about his most recent volunteer work for the UUA and motivation to serve again on the UUA Board, I am convinced that we need the wisdom, experience and commitment that Larry brings to the table. I’ve served with him and after him on several Boards. His leadership, advice, and legacy have always been impeccable. I enthusiastically urge delegates to support him.”

Rev. Dr. Wayne Arnason

Past UUA Trustee and Secretary

Past President, UU Ministers Association

Past Chair, UUA Ministerial Fellowship Committee

Past Trustee, Meadville Lombard Theological School