Kathy Olson, Executive Director at Millstream Commons, Recognized for Leadership & Community Service

Posted on February 26, 2019 by Jodi Boyne

Kathy Olson, Executive Director at Millstream Commons in Northfield, was recently honored by LeadingAge Minnesota with the Kal Michels Outstanding Leadership Award. 

The award recognizes a leader in older adult services who has provided excellent leadership to their staff and organization, enhances the quality of life for the residents in the community, and provides exceptional community service. 

“Kathy Olson is a dedicated, innovative leader who works tirelessly to create a better future for professional caregivers, older adults and the community as a whole,” said Gayle Kvenvold, President and CEO, LeadingAge Minnesota. “She leads by example and approaches her work from a person-first perspective. Kathy’s genuine interest in the people around her and her ability to impact their lives in a personal, powerful way is evident for all who meet her.”  

Photo Caption: Kathy Olson accepted the Kal Michels Outstanding Leadership Award at the LeadingAge Minnesota Institute. Pictured (l to r) Nancy Stratman, Board Chair, LeadingAge Minnesota Board of Directors; Gayle Kvenvold, President and CEO, LeadingAge Minnesota; Kathy Olson; and Sara Sterling, LeadingAge Minnesota Awards & Recognition Committee Chair.

Kathy has served as the Executive Director of Millstream Commons since 2005, after working as the Co-Director of Staff Development at Three Links Care Center for five years. Over the years, she has been very active in shaping the field of aging services by serving in a variety of leadership roles on LeadingAge Minnesota committees focused on housing, assisted living/housing with services and home care. Kathy was also instrumental in creating and serving as a coach with Leadership Academy, a unique leadership development program designed to cultivate high potential, transformational leaders in the field of aging services. 

In addition to her work in the aging services field, Kathy is an active community leader in Northfield. She is the current president of Women in Northfield Giving Support (WINGS), which educates and expands the number of women in philanthropy, builds and strengthens community through pooled investments, and improve the lives of women and youth in the Northfield area through focused giving. Olson also coordinates Northfield’s Career Exploration Day and has been integral in the work of the local Alzheimer’s Association. 

“Kathy Olson is a leader, devoted to her staff as a mentor and guide, faithful to her residents as a provider who models care and respect, and dedicated to the community as a volunteer who is civic-minded and inspired by our profession to be a front-runner in thought, word and deed” said Mark Anderson, CEO, Three Links.

For more information, watch Kathy Olson – 2019 Kal Michaels Leadership Award.