Leah Larson, Interim CEO of Big Ass Fans and current Chief Marketing Officer at Madison Air, is a visionary leader known for transforming brands and driving strategic growth. With expertise in brand evolution, product innovation, and front-line engagement, Leah is guiding Big Ass Fans to new levels of customer experience and operational excellence. In her role at Madison Air, Leah is responsible for repositioning the company as a trusted air quality partner across various industries. Previously, she held key roles such as CMO for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota – Further, and spent over a decade at Ecolab, leading global growth initiatives and enhancing the company’s brand. Passionate about community involvement, Leah serves on the board of the University of Minnesota’s Carlson Global Institute and volunteers with multiple organizations. She holds a BBA from St. Norbert College and an MBA from the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management.

Brian Hilander champions bold thinking and visionary ideas in his pursuit of healthier environments worldwide. Since joining Big Ass Fans in 2022, he has fine-tuned global production, supply chain, and distribution, while also spearheading strategic partnerships and acquisitions to extend the company’s reach. Locally, Brian has restructured the support team, enhancing communication and recognition. With a background in world-class operations at Emerson Automation Solutions, The Outdoor Group, and Schneider Electric, Brian brings a wealth of experience and insight to his role. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Design from Morehead State University and continues to push the boundaries of operational excellence.

Jeff Tanner, Vice President of IT at Big Ass Fans, brings over 25 years of expertise in IT leadership, consistently driving innovation and strategic transformation. Prior to joining Big Ass Fans in 2024, Jeff served as VP and Chief Digital Officer at Meyer Natural Foods, where he led major technological overhauls in cloud operations, cybersecurity, and infrastructure, boosting efficiency and growth. His leadership is defined by a relentless pursuit of excellence and a hands-on approach to problem-solving. A graduate of Western Kentucky University with a degree in Mathematics and Computer Science, Jeff combines technical mastery with a passion for mentoring, reflected in his 26 years as a Scoutmaster with the Boy Scouts of America. Now, he’s elevating Big Ass Fans’ IT capabilities, pushing the company towards new heights in efficiency, security, and innovation.

Sam Couch, Vice President of Human Resources at Big Ass Fans, brings over two decades of experience in recruitment and HR leadership to her role. Since joining the company in 2015, Sam has steadily risen through the ranks, from Human Resources Manager to Senior Director, and now, she leads global HR strategy as VP. Known for her dynamic leadership and unwavering commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive workplace, Sam plays a pivotal role in shaping the company’s culture and employee experience. With prior leadership roles at Webasto, Kelly Services, and Ajilon Finance Solutions, she has honed her expertise in talent acquisition, employee relations, and HR operations. Sam holds a degree from the University of Maryland and remains dedicated to driving employee growth and well-being at Big Ass Fans.

Charis Woodall, General Manager of the Residential Business Unit at Big Ass Fans, combines bold thinking with impeccable business acumen to lead the company’s residential and eCommerce segments. With nearly a decade at Big Ass Fans, Charis has been instrumental in shaping business strategy, sales, and product development. Known for her innovative mindset and quick-witted approach, she has reimagined the omnichannel residential business while building a team ready to elevate it to the next level. Her leadership has driven significant accomplishments, including serving as Program Manager for the Clean Air System, which launched three air-cleaning products in just six months to combat the SARS-CoV-2 variant. She also managed historic growth with one of the company’s largest accounts, solidifying her reputation as a dynamic and visionary leader.