Liz Olson joined McKnight in July 2024 as a senior program officer focused on strengthening democratic participation. In this role, Liz extends the capacity of McKnight’s program teams to integrate democratic participation into all areas of our work, enhancing strategic alignment across our programs to advance the Foundation’s mission of a just, creative, and abundant future for people and planet.
Liz brings more than a decade of community organizing and public service experience to the role. Her work is rooted in engaging and mobilizing people around a shared vision of more just and compassionate communities. She is recognized nationally as a trailblazing innovator in community-centered governance, bridging a wide range of interests with elected and appointed officials to increase the effectiveness and positive impact of policy change for all Minnesotans.
Liz was elected to represent Duluth in the Minnesota House of Representatives in 2017, and served in that role into 2024. As Chair of the House Ways and Means Committee, Liz played a critical role in the groundbreaking 2023 state legislative session, which included transformative policy advances on climate, racial equity, housing, democracy expansion, and more.
Prior to becoming a state legislator, Liz led grassroots power-building campaigns to improve economic security as TakeAction Minnesota’s Duluth organizing and policy director. In her time as a program officer at Generations Health Care Initiatives, Liz developed, implemented, and oversaw programs to ensure health care access for all. She also served as director of congregational outreach at Churches United in Ministry, where she oversaw all aspects of community organizing and outreach.
Liz holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Minnesota Duluth and a master’s degree from Luther Seminary. She lives with her family in West Duluth, loves to run on the beautiful trails in Duluth, and seeks out adventures near and far with family and friends.
Learn more about Liz here.
