At McKnight, we believe that a healthy democracy is essential for achieving our mission—and we recognize that the need to protect and expand our democracy has never been more pressing. Strong civic infrastructure and equitable access to democratic participation are key to reaching our strategic programmatic goals and advancing our collective mission of a just, creative, and abundant future for all.
We are pleased to announce that Liz Olson (she/her) will be joining the McKnight Foundation as our new Strengthening Democratic Participation senior program officer. Liz’s role will be pivotal in integrating democratic participation as a key factor in all areas of our work, ensuring strategic alignment across the Foundation in our efforts to create durable systems change in Minnesota and beyond for people and our planet.
Liz is recognized nationally as a trailblazing innovator in community-rooted governance, bridging a wide range of interests with elected and appointed officials to increase the effectiveness and positive impact of policy change. Her extensive background as a community organizer, advocate and policymaker, including four terms in the Minnesota House of Representatives representing Duluth, uniquely positions her to advance work strengthening democracy and civic engagement that is critical to the goals of McKnight’s programs and mission. In her role, Liz will work in close partnership with McKnight program staff to develop and implement changemaking strategies for increasing state-level and regional democratic infrastructure and capacity to build power, engaging diverse communities in advancing shared prosperity, and helping to support broader participation in movements that realize vibrant, equitable and climate-friendly communities.
Liz’s work has always centered on mobilizing people around a shared vision of more just and compassionate communities. Her powerful people-centered leadership at the Capitol, in addition to her previous experience as TakeAction Minnesota’s Duluth organizing and policy director and as a program officer at Generations Health Care Initiatives, reflect her commitment to advancing an equitable future where everyone can thrive.
In her tenure as a Minnesota State Representative, Liz led a coalition to develop a shared policy agenda that reflected Minnesotans’ values and laid the groundwork for sweeping policy changes in 2023, including transformative policy advances on climate, racial equity, housing, democracy expansion, and more. She championed groundbreaking legislation combating the opioid crisis and was the legislative lead on passing Earned Sick and Safe Time into law. Liz served in legislative leadership roles as the House Majority Whip, Speaker Pro Tempore, and as the Chair of the House Ways and Means Committee.
“Liz Olson’s dedication to fostering just and equitable communities, coupled with her significant achievements in public service, make her a valuable addition to the McKnight team. Her proven track record in community organizing and people-centered policymaking aligns deeply with our mission,” shared Neeraj Mehta, vice president of programs. “Liz’s expertise will be a force-multiplier in our efforts to strengthen democratic participation and create a more equitable future for all.”
“Liz Olson’s dedication to fostering just and equitable communities, coupled with her significant achievements in public service, make her a valuable addition to the McKnight team. Her proven track record in community organizing and people-centered policymaking aligns deeply with our mission,” shared Neeraj Mehta, vice president of programs. “Liz’s expertise will be a force-multiplier in our efforts to strengthen democratic participation and create a more equitable future for all.”– NEERAJ MEHTA, VICE PRESIDENT OF PROGRAMS
Liz holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology and women’s studies from the University of Minnesota Duluth, and a master’s degree in congregational and community care from Luther Seminary.
“I’m excited to join the brilliant team at McKnight, an organization with a stellar reputation and a mission rooted in the values that have guided me as a community organizer, advocate, and policymaker,” Liz shared. “This role is a natural continuation of the work I have been doing. It is an incredible opportunity to expand my ability to make a significant impact on issues and systems that affect real people and real places, and to build a future where everyone has economic freedom and a voice in our democracy.”
“I’m excited to join the brilliant team at McKnight, an organization with a stellar reputation and a mission rooted in the values that have guided me as a community organizer, advocate, and policymaker. This role is a natural continuation of the work I have been doing. It is an incredible opportunity to expand my ability to make a significant impact on issues and systems that affect real people and real places, and to build a future where everyone has economic freedom and a voice in our democracy.”– LIZ OLSON, SENIOR PROGRAM OFFICER, STRENGTHENING DEMOCRATIC PARTICIPATION
About the McKnight Foundation: The McKnight Foundation, a Minnesota-based family foundation, advances a more just, creative, and abundant future where people and planet thrive. Established in 1953, the McKnight Foundation is deeply committed to advancing climate solutions in the Midwest; building an equitable and inclusive Minnesota; and supporting the arts and culture in Minnesota, neuroscience, and global food systems.
