Business

Dr. Richard C. Larson: The Visionary Architect Shaping Smarter Systems for a Better Tomorrow

“View each day as a gift.” – Dr. Richard C. Larson

Born in Bayside, Queens, and later raised in Pennsylvania, Dr. Richard C. Larson’s journey began with the freedom to explore and make decisions for himself. This independent spirit continued to shape his career and life, influencing his work as an educator, researcher, and consultant.

In his professional career, Dr. Larson dedicated himself to enhancing systems that serve humanity be it through conducting emergency service optimization in large urban areas or employing operations research for real-world problem solutions. His outstanding professional experience spanning decades combined with teaching passion enabled him to make enduring contributions to the students he taught and the communities who received his services.

As we move head, the year 2025 finds Dr. Larson standing as a well-respected leader among his peers while both students and communities recognize his dedication to creating positive global change. Through his personal and academic achievements, he displays continuous learning alongside personal development matched with authentic intentions to assist others.

Let’s delve into the remarkable impact of Dr. Larson’s work!

The Foundation of a Lifelong Journey

Dr. Richard C. Larson’s story begins in Bayside, Queens, where he was born before moving to Pennsylvania at the age of five. His family settled in a small town near the Susquehanna River, providing him with a unique combination of freedom and responsibility from an early age. Dr. Larson’s parents gave him a sense of autonomy, trusting him to make decisions about his own life—something that would shape his independent and libertarian mindset.

When it came time to enter kindergarten, his parents asked him whether he wanted to attend. Rather than making the decision for him, they allowed him to think it over and come to a conclusion. Dr. Larson decided to take an extra year of childhood and avoid school for a little while longer. This early decision exemplified the trust his parents had in him, a trust that continued throughout his upbringing. From exploring the woods near his home to learning to navigate life’s challenges, he had the freedom to grow at his own pace.

In his later years, the family moved to North Plainfield, New Jersey, and then to Needham, Massachusetts, near Boston. It was in Needham where Dr. Larson graduated high school, further shaping his sense of curiosity and independence. He attended the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), a place that would play a crucial role in his development as both a student and a professor.

A Career Shaped by Curiosity and Practical Application

Dr. Larson’s career path took shape at MIT, where he pursued a degree that combined science with real-world application. He worked closely with his PhD supervisor, Professor Alvin W. Drake, who encouraged him to stay on at MIT as an assistant professor. It was during this time that he began to realize the importance of connecting academic research with practical solutions.

His time at the Institute for Defense Analyses in Arlington, Virginia, further solidified his belief in applied research. As the youngest member of the Science and Technology Task Force, Dr. Larson got a taste of public speaking and the impact that research can have outside the confines of academia. The experience convinced him that he could combine teaching with consulting, where he could both educate and directly affect change.

Soon, Dr. Larson co-founded Public Systems Evaluation (PSE), a nonprofit consulting firm dedicated to solving complex public sector problems. His firm later evolved into the for-profit Queues-ENFORTH-Development (QED), where his focus on operations research and urban service systems began to flourish. His work with public services, especially in New York City, particularly with emergency services like the police, fire, and medical departments, would go on to influence the optimization of critical systems. “I’ve always been motivated by the idea that research doesn’t exist in a vacuum,” he says. “It needs to make a difference in people’s lives.”

Balancing Professional and Personal Life

Throughout Dr. Larson’s career, he has been deeply supported by his wife, Mary Elizabeth Murray, who was also a passionate advocate for education. “She was the backbone of my professional journey,” he shares, reflecting on their partnership. “She was more than just my wife; she was my teammate in every sense.” They shared not only their lives together but their professional pursuits as well. For 43 years, Mary Elizabeth stood by Dr. Larson’s side as a partner both in marriage and in their work. Together, they co-presented at conferences, including a memorable talk on “Model Thinking” in Saudi Arabia, where Mary Elizabeth impressed a 400-person audience with her wisdom and clarity.

Sadly, she passed away two years ago, leaving a hole in both his personal and professional life. Despite this loss, he continues to honor her memory through his work, keeping her legacy alive by continuing their shared commitment to education and research.

An Appetite for Business

Dr. Larson’s “appetite for business” is not about chasing profits, but about creating an impact through practical solutions. He believes that business, in its most meaningful form, is an extension of academic work. His consulting firms—PSE, ENFORTH, and QED—have always been vehicles for implementing the research he conducted at MIT and applying it to real-world scenarios. “The business side of things allowed my research to go beyond theory,” he explains. “Without these ventures, my work would have remained confined to the classroom. With them, I could see the results of my efforts in action.”

One of his notable projects involved the development of Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) systems for police departments, a technology that is still in use in many places today. Through these ventures, Dr. Larson’s work in operations research impacted not only academic circles but also the very systems that keep cities safe.

Making Everyday Count

Dr. Larson’s passion for life and work understands how fragile life can be. Over the years, he’s had several near-death experiences, including one related to a tonsillectomy at the age of five. This awareness of life’s fragility makes every day feel like a gift. “I wake up every morning and look up at the sky, and I say, ‘thank you‘,” he says. He believes every day is an opportunity to learn something new, to grow, and to give back.

It’s this mentality that has driven his career and life. Whether it’s developing life-saving strategies for emergency responders or teaching the next generation of leaders, his work is based on making a tangible difference. “My passion is seeing ideas put into action,” he shares. “It’s about seeing the theories of operations research improve the way we live our daily lives—from how we respond to 911 calls to how we manage our resources.”

Blessing in Disguise

The COVID-19 pandemic presented challenges for many, but for Dr. Larson, it turned out to be an unexpected opportunity. During the early days of the lockdown, he decided to take a step back and reevaluate his next intellectual pursuit. His wife’s encouragement led him to focus on writing a book about “Model Thinking,” a concept that had been brewing in his mind for some time.

“My wife was the one who pushed me to explore new passions,” he recalls. “She told me to take a few days to think about what truly excited me. That conversation led me to write my book, ‘Model Thinking for Everyday Life,’ which was published in 2023.” The book has received glowing reviews for its accessible approach to decision-making and problem-solving, with his ability to break down complex concepts for a general audience making it a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their decision-making skills.

Embracing Imperfection

Throughout his career, Dr. Larson has been guided by a strong sense of conviction and a deep belief in the importance of sharing knowledge. He believes that great ideas should never remain hidden and that books, as permanent sources of wisdom, are one of the best ways to pass on that knowledge to future generations. “I’ve always been passionate about sharing what I know,” he says. “If you have a great idea, you should make it known to the world.”

However, Dr. Larson is also quick to acknowledge his weaknesses. Procrastination has often been a challenge, and impatience can sometimes cause him to jump to conclusions prematurely. “I’m human, and I make mistakes,” he admits. “But the key is to learn from those mistakes and continue moving forward.”

A Lifetime of Impact

From his early success with the Lanchester Award for his work on urban police patrol analysis to his election to the National Academy of Engineering, Dr. Larson’s impact on both academia and society has been important.

He served as President of both the Operations Research Society of America (ORSA) and INFORMS (Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences), further solidifying his role as a leader in the field. In 2025, he received the prestigious Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing his career longevity and excellence.

“I’ve been fortunate to be part of some incredible work and to collaborate with brilliant minds,” he says. “But it’s not about the awards—it’s about the impact we make and the people we help along the way.”

Advice for Aspiring Leaders

As a mentor and leader, Dr. Larson believes that true leadership comes from experience and action. He encourages aspiring leaders to lead by example, showing others the way through their actions rather than just words. “Leadership is about teaching others what you’ve learned and giving them the tools to succeed,” Dr. Larson advises. “Lead by example, and others will follow.”

For Dr. Larson, leadership is not just about taking charge—it’s about making a difference, inspiring others, and continuing to learn every day.

The Mantra for Growth, Development, and Success

For him, the secret to success is making the most of every day, continually learning, and sharing that knowledge with others. Whether through his research, his teaching, or his writing, Dr. Larson’s dedication to improving the world around him continues to inspire those who have had the privilege of working with him.

“Any day I don’t learn something new is a wasted day,” he says, quoting his musical hero, B.B. King. “We should always be seeking out new knowledge, and we can teach others so that they don’t have wasted days, too.”

Awards and Recognition

1972: Lanchester Award for ORSA (Operations Research Society of America) for best publication in Operations Research, “Urban Police Patrol Analysis”
1993-1994: President of ORSA
1993: Elected to the National Academy of Engineering (NAE)
2005: Past-President of INFORMS
2012: Best-Paper-of-the-Year award: “Modeling the Effects of H1N1 Influenza Vaccine Distribution in the U.S.”
2015: Best-Paper-of-the-Year award and Lawrence M. Klein Award
2017: Lifetime Achievement Daniel Berg Medal
2025: Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award