Our Leadership & Governance

Guided by The Advisory Council, Magnolia Legacy operates under the stewardship of senior corporate executives, leadership consultants, distinguished university alumnae, and active collegiate members.

This council ensures our firm maintains the highest standards of professional excellence, executive-level coaching, and long-term organizational vision.

College recruitment advisory team

MARISSA LARSON, Founder & Principal Advisor

PI BETA PHI ALUMNAE, University of Minnesota

With over 20 years of experience in Executive Leadership Coaching and Strategic Communications, with a passion for empowering young women to leave an indelible mark on the world for the better.

An experienced recruitment mother of two daughters - one currently in a sorority at the University of Mississippi, and the other a Senior in High School, preparing for her college and recruitment journey - Marissa has been on both sides and shares her expertise, coaching from the heart.

Panhellenic and Philanthropic Leadership and Service:

  • Pi Beta Phi Vice President and Alumna, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis MN

  • Panhellenic Council Member, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis MN

  • Pi Beta Phi Alumnae Advisory Committee, Vanderbilt University, Nashville TN

  • Junior League Fundraising Co-Chair and Sustainer, Birmingham MI

  • Girls on the Run Board Member, Johnson City TN

  • Speak by Design Certified Executive Leadership Coach

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MARY DENIRO, CEO & Executive Director, ACUHO-I

PI BETA PHI ALUMNAE, Ohio University

Mary brings with her over 25 years of executive and collegiate experience. ACUHO-I's executive director since 2015, she oversees the association, working closely with the Executive Board to fulfill the strategic plan and serve the needs of association members.

Previously, Mary was the University of Wisconsin-Madison Alumni Association’s Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice-President and Vice President of Marketing and Communications.

She is a graduate of Ohio University and holds an MBA degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Mary has also studied at the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School of Business and Northwestern University executive management programs.

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Our Collegiate Collective

Powered by our network of Active Collegiate Consultants and Friends, Magnolia Legacy delivers unmatched, real-time campus intelligence. We have carefully curated a group of young women, including recent chapter presidents and recruitment strategists from the nation’s most competitive universities in the SEC, Big Ten, and Big Twelve, among others. This group ensures our PNMs are prepared for the exact conversational nuances and cultural climates of today's competitive recruitment rounds.

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Social Media Manager

Malin S. Larson

Administrative Assistants

Col. “Louis” Rebel Larson Matilda “Tilly” Jane Larson

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Cute fluffy brown puppy lying on a patterned rug in front of a white door.