Ashley Olson

Ashley Olson has been a member of the National Willa Cather Center's staff since 2008 and has served as the organization's Executive Director since 2014. Olson administers the museum, arts center, ten historic sites, and a 612-acre native prairie that make up the largest collection of nationally designated historic sites dedicated to an American author. During her tenure, the Center’s assets have grown by more than $13 million. Notable organizational achievements under her leadership include the construction of a museum and archive in the historic Moon Block building, as well as the addition of a permanent exhibit, American Bittersweet: The Life and Writing of Willa Cather, funded in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Recently, Olson secured a “Save America’s Treasures” grant from the National Park Service for the restoration of the Willa Cather Childhood Home, a National Historic Landmark. Olson earned a master's degree in Public Administration from the University of Nebraska at Omaha and a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She holds a certificate in fundraising management (CFM) and is a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE), signifying the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct for fundraising professionals.