People

Rick Thomas graduated in 1985 from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) with a degree in Finance. He spent 10 years in the banking and insurance industries, but his true passion is Sociology - fascinated by why people do what they do and how populations respond.

An entrepreneur at heart, Thomas opened The Chariot Group, Inc., in 1999, an enterprise that is globally recognized for its expertise in videoconferencing system design, installation and integration. In December 2016, he launched the STRIVE Group to address a growing market need for a variety of consulting services focusing on leadership, workforce investments and business sustainability. Thomas is a respected industry leader and torchbearer of digital transformation, using a platform of innovation to connect people with ideas and solutions.

Heather Kinzie serves as the Chief Operating Officer for The STRIVE Group. With more than 20 years of organizational and workforce performance experience, Kinzie offers consultation; facilitation and mediation; content development and training; and coaching to clients around the country. She oversees a team of experts who utilize a broad, systematic and collaborative approach to analysis, problem solving and consultation.

Recognizing the critical importance of leadership, communication and effective engagement among teams, Kinzie has spent years learning, applying, evaluating and refining her theories on group dynamics, relationships, problem solving and motivation. Kinzie's clients appreciate her authenticity and creative, pragmatic insights and ideas to improve their leadership abilities, their teams and ultimately their organizations.

Kinzie is a sought-after national keynote speaker, noted for bringing humor, genuineness and practical perspectives to her presentations. Her relevant and inspiring content resonates with audiences, engaging participants to step into new spaces.

Nance Larsen, APR, Fellow PRSA, is the Vice President, Integrated Marketing & Communications for The STRIVE Group and serves as Managing Editor for STRIVE Magazine and The STRIVE Project.

With extensive capabilities spanning a wide range of industries and world-renowned brands, Larsen brings more than two decades of strategic communications, public relations and multi-media experience to The STRIVE Group. Innovation, creativity, thought-leadership and authenticity are keystones of her work.

Globally recognized for her expertise in crisis communications, brand architecture, storytelling, media relations, corporate positioning/messaging and reputation management, Larsen is dedicated to creating opportunities for collaborative communication that supports an informed public.

Marshall Watson is the Professional Development Manager for The STRIVE Group. As a twenty-three year veteran of the U.S. Air Force and a former adjunct instructor with UAA’s Mat-Su College, Marshall adds training and development, instructional technology and coaching expertise to The STRIVE Group’s team. He is skilled in assessing an organization’s training needs, developing content to meet those needs, and delivering it through on-demand, in-person and distance learning methods

Kelsey Donlan joined The STRIVE Group in March of 2019 after moving to Alaska from Washington State. She has more than 10 years of sales and event management experience in the hospitality and non-profit industries. With an eye for detail and passion for cultivating relationship, Donlan supports The STRIVE Group’s marketing efforts and manages the organization's special events.