Andrea Olson, MS, CCAP, NCRT/NCRI

As the Executive Director for the State Association, Andrea works on a number of initiatives and programs including training and technical assistance for North Dakota’s Community Action Agencies. She has worked in the non-profit sector for 17 years and has been with the CAPND since 2008. Andrea has a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from North Dakota State University and a Master’s Degree in Public, Human Service, and Health Administration from Minnesota State University Moorhead. Andrea is a Certified Community Action Professional and National Certified ROMA Trainer and ROMA Implementer. She also serves as the Lead for the Regional Performance Innovative Consortium for Federal Region 8; a successful collaboration between the Community Action State Associations and State Community Services Block Grant Offices who serve all 75 Community Action Agencies and CSBG-eligible entities in the states of: Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming.

Andrea has served as the Chair on the Board of Directors for the North Dakota Coalition for Homeless Persons and is a previous member of the North Dakota State PTA Board. She is the proud recipient of the 2017 Charles Braithwait Award for Leadership for her efforts to ensure ongoing National support for the Community Action Network.  Andrea was also recognized as an Honored Member of the Governor's 2020 Census Task Force in appreciation for her dedicated services for a complete count in North Dakota. In 2021, Andrea was honored as a nominee for the YWCA Woman of the Year as a recognition for her contributions to her community. 

Andrea lives in West Fargo with her husband, daughters and rescue pups (Archie and Holden) who are reminded on daily basis that they are devastatingly handsome!  She has a strong affinity for people who use their turn signals in parking lots, is an ardent supporter of daily chips and salsa consumption, a die hard Conan O'Brien fan, and feels strongly that the world is a better place when we all learn to love, respect and enjoy each other.