BSM Welcomes Richard Olson as Chief Advancement Officer

Benilde-St. Margaret’s is pleased to welcome Richard Olson as the school’s chief advancement officer, effective Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2023.

Olson previously served as BSM’s CAO from 2009-2015 and is a proven fundraising leader. With a 30+ year career focusing on philanthropy, charitable giving, program development and management, and strategic planning for annual and planned giving, Olson most recently served as the vice president for advancement at Totino-Grace High School.

“Richard brings a depth of experience in charitable giving that will benefit BSM’s immediate and long-term needs,” said BSM President Meghan DesLauriers ’99. “He is a highly effective fundraiser ready to take our advancement initiatives to the next level.”

While at Totino-Grace, Olson doubled the school's annual fund and restricted gifts programs. He also was instrumental in significantly increasing the endowment thus supporting the school’s long-term viability. Olson also had success at Catholic Community Foundation, St. Paul, expanding philanthropic and endowment programs. At Allina Hospital and Clinics, Olson developed solicitation strategies and planned giving programs supporting health care initiatives at Abbott Northwestern Hospital and the Minneapolis Heart Institute.

Olson succeeds Lisa Hendrickson Shaughnessy ’85 who served as CAO at Benilde-St. Margaret’s from 2019-2023. Olson’s familiarity with BSM allows for a seamless transition into the CAO role, and he is looking forward to getting started on plans for this year’s annual Day of Giving campaign scheduled for Wednesday, May 10.

With the expected appointment of a new president for Benilde-St. Margaret’s in 2023, Olson will provide continuity for advancement, supporting the new leader’s strategic vision for the premiere private school experience in the Twin Cities and the largest Catholic school in the Upper Midwest.