WASHINGTON — Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa today announced that Carol Olson, of Des Moines, will join his staff this month as State Director.
In this position, Olson will represent Grassley and oversee the work of regional directors and constituent service specialists in Grassley offices statewide, including Cedar Rapids, Council Bluffs, Davenport, Des Moines, Sioux City and Waterloo. She will be based in Des Moines and start January 22.
“My state staff is vitally important to making the process of representative government work,” Grassley said. “Carol’s leadership will help to continue their tradition of outstanding casework services and direct liaison with community leaders in every county in Iowa along with the larger cities. Carol has a record of effective and dedicated public service, and it’s wonderful to put her experience and commitment to work for my Senate offices in Iowa.”
Olson has been Deputy Secretary of State for Elections in Des Moines for the last three years. She had the same role for Secretary of State Paul Pate from 1995 through 1998. Olson previously worked 12 years for Thrivent Financial where she managed member engagement throughout Iowa.
Other work experience includes leading the Iowa State Senate Republican Staff as Staff Director. Olson was a Legislative Assistant in Washington for Grassley from 1987 through 1991. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Iowa State University and a master’s degree from Minnesota State University in Mankato.
Olson is an active member of the Lutheran Church and mentors young women in the Miss America and Miss Iowa programs. She and her husband Lew raised two daughters in Des Moines.
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