Liz Olson

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 programs to advance the Foundation’s mission of a just, creative, and abundant future for people and planet.  

Liz has almost two decades of community organizing and public service experience. Her work is rooted in engaging and mobilizing people around a shared vision of a more just and compassionate community. 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 organizing campaigns to improve economic security, access to health care and affordable housing in Duluth. 

Liz holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Minnesota Duluth and a master’s degree from Luther Seminary. She loves to run on beautiful trails and seeks out adventures near and far with family and friends.