27 Mar Jennifer Olson named as new Executive Director

(March 27, 2023) Jennifer Olson has been named as the new Executive Director for Ozarks Area Community Action Corporation (OACAC). Olson is the fourth Executive Director and first female director for the non-profit. Founded in 1965, OACAC works to create lasting solutions to poverty for families and communities within Southwest Missouri.

Following the retirement of longtime director, Carl Rosenkranz, Olson was named as Interim Executive Director on January 6, 2023. She served in this capacity as the personnel committee completed recruitment and hiring. It was announced to OACAC staff on March 22 that Olson had accepted the position of Executive Director, to begin March 27.

“OACAC is an organization that helps many people in different walks of life,” said Dave O’Dell, OACAC Board President. “Jennifer is a voice for OACAC and will always be there for others. We are grateful that she was willing to take on the responsibilities.”

Jennifer Olson is an AmeriCorps alumnus who has worked in the social services field since 1999. She has been part of the OACAC team since 2008, holding positions including Greene County Center Supervisor, Polk County Community Center Supervisor, Lawrence County Neighborhood Center Supervisor, Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) Director, and Interim Executive Director. Two highlights during her tenure include the creative development of the CSBG projects, VOICE and REALL. These projects, which focus on empowering children and teens, have seen expansion across the state and nationwide.

Olson has led OACAC through four consecutive 100% ratings of the Organizational Standards, and her passion for providing high-quality, equitable opportunities and services is expressed through her leadership.

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Contact Lindsey Dumas-Bell, [email protected], (417) 873-3375