Meet Our Team: Larissa Sweitzer

“She is my right hand and my left hand. She is a positive force.” - Mary Kiernan , Partner (and Larissa's biggest fan). 

Larissa Sweitzer is a dedicated people manager with a background in campaign experience focused on voter targeting and mobilization. The Penn State University graduate brings her passion for problem-solving and teamwork to Actual Size. As our Director of Operations and Client Services, Larissa prioritizes processes and training to enhance our daily operations, boost company culture, and help us find creative solutions for projects big and small.

“She really helps to make our work environment something that I am excited to come into every day.” - Clare Connell , Designer. 

Fast Facts About Our Director of Operations and Client Services 

“She’s a walking hot take,” says Addison Reckley , Project Manager. Larissa jumps in, “You know I love to give an opinion!” She also loves podcasts (Obsessed and BNCMAP are her favorites) and Ithaca Hummus lemon hummus. 

“She’s a fan of things. If she’s into something, she goes all in. Yes, I’m talking about Taylor Swift,” says Joe Shumbat , Creative Director.

Kevin Stewart-Mercurio 's not exactly a Swiftie (don’t worry, we’re working on it), but he is a big Larissa fan.

“I think Larissa is a big reason why our office feels so welcoming. Her enthusiasm and energy made my first few months at Actual Size really enjoyable.” 

With two years - today!!! - under her belt, Larissa has made Actual Size a home for our entire team. Beyond giving constructive feedback and insightful opinions, Larissa has cultivated an environment that inspires creativity and ignites innovation. “It’s a pleasure working with Larissa, who consistently has a calming presence no matter the situation,” says Michael Zappala , Designer.

What does your role entail?

“A lot of things! But I think that’s what makes it so interesting,” says Larissa. Actual Size caters to a wide range of industries - everything from e-learning and advocacy to real estate and professional sports. Planet Fitness boasts a “No Judgement Zone”; we pride ourselves on a “No Niche Zone”. Tomato, tomato. 

“Managing the amount of clients and work we have is no easy undertaking,” says Eric Yeamans , Actual Size’s Director of Digital Operations.

“Larissa really understands that bringing a certain energy to her role is crucial for the success of us all.” 

Larissa keeps the trains (bikes, buses, ride-shares, the occasional walker) running on time. “I work most closely with our project management and operations teams, keeping projects on track. I love sitting with Addison  and writing a scope together and watching the project progress.” 

Addison describes Larissa as so much more than a coworker - she’s her support system and sounding board. “I couldn’t ask for a better PM partner!” 

“I spend a lot of time developing relationships with our clients and seeking out new projects for our team to work on. I can also plan a mean duckpin bowling happy hour.” 

What are some of your favorite parts about your role?

Larissa works directly with creative and development teams every day. “Eric and Joe have spent a lot of time teaching me their tools and tactics and I feel like that has made me better at my job.” When Larissa isn’t in the office (more accurately, the conference room lovingly referred to as “the Cave”), she’s in DC with Actual Size’s co-founders. 

Bob Kiernan is especially thrilled to have her along for the ride.

“My favorite thing about working with Larissa is the energy she brings to everything. She can make anything fun.”

Michael Cauley reiterates this: “She’s a walking ray of sunshine.” 

Tell us about your favorite projects. 

With a passion for advocacy, it’s no surprise that Larissa zoned in on the Alcohol 101+ and Responsibility Works platforms. Alexander Grattan agrees. “We have a fun time working together for clients like Responsibility.org .” 

“It’s one of those projects that everyone on the team has been a part of … the platforms are always growing and getting better. I love being a part of a team that is always looking to make their product better,” says Larissa. 

Cecily Milligan chimes in. “Larissa is a driving force in every project. She goes above and beyond keeping everyone on-task and approaches problem-solving through a really creative, strategic lens. 

What's your favorite thing about Actual Size?

“100% my coworkers. I remember when I first started, the first thing I would tell people about my new job was how smart my coworkers are. I have so much respect for people who are natural problem solvers, and everyone here is just that. The coolest thing though, is that everyone solves problems in different, creative ways. I’m always learning from them and being challenged by them, and I’m just so thankful to have them!” 

“They’re also so kind and genuinely hilarious. They are definitely going to make fun of me for saying this.” 

Most of the time, Larissa’s right… 

But not today! We asked the team what they admired about Larissa, and our Actual Sizers came with receipts. 

• “Her ability to move any situation forward to meet whatever the goal may be.” - Addison. 
• “Her motivation to support her coworkers and her deep understanding of Actual Size’s inner workings.” - Alexander 
• “Her self-awareness in the landscape. If everyone is frantic about a situation, she works on calming it down. If people are weary, she tries to bring the energy. She’s always trying to get her coworkers back to a state of equilibrium.” - Bob 
• “She’s friendly and warm and open, Larissa has an incredible work ethic. You can’t help but be instantly charmed and impressed.” - Cecily 
• “She is super passionate and really cares about everything she does.” - Clare 
• “Her attitude. She does an amazing job at staying positive and being a cheerleader for our organization and teams.” - Eric
• “She’s very organized and doesn’t do things halfway. But my favorite thing is her sense of humor.” - Joe
• “I admire Larissa’s sense of humor. Larissa is the funniest person in the office.” - Kevin 
• “Her ability to make small talk and listen to your responses.” - Mary
• “I really admire her ability to connect with anyone around her, from clients to coworkers and everyone in between, you're guaranteed to walk away with a positive experience.” - Michael 
• “Her ambition to work hard and make a difference at Actual Size.” - Mike

(Larissa, are you tearing up yet?)

As an agency that’s small by design, we appreciate the importance of dedicated support, innovative strategy, and collaborative feedback. Thanks to creative minds like Larissa, all of this is possible.