He was recognized by President Ronald Reagan and the National Endowment for the Arts for administering landmark arts funding partnerships.
ROSEVILLE, MN, August 07, 2018 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Marquis Who's Who, the world's premier publisher of biographical profiles, is proud to present Gerald James Olsen with the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award. An accomplished listee, Mr. Olsen celebrates many years' experience in his professional network, and has been noted for achievements, leadership qualities, and the credentials and successes he has accrued in his field. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.
With more than 55 years of non-profit and arts industry experience to his credit, Mr. Olsen is currently retired, having most recently worked as president and consultant for Pneuma from 2001 to 2017. Additionally, he held the positions of vice president for advancement for the United Theological Seminary from 2011 to 2014, vice president for advancement for the Greater Minneapolis Council of Churches from 2005 to 2011, director of development and marketing for Mounds Park Academy from 1998 to 2001 and chief advancement officer for Crosier Fathers and Brothers from 1987 to 1998. Previously, he served United Arts as president and chief executive officer from 1984 to 1987, the Minnesota State Arts Board as executive director from 1981 to 1984, the Indiana Arts Commission as program development director from 1978 to 1979, The Commons as executive director from 1975 to 1977, and Indiana University as administrative director of theatre in the department of theatre and drama from 1973 to 1975. Mr. Olsen began his career as a singer and actor for the Saint Paul Opera Association from 1961 to 1969, business manager for the Saint Paul Opera Association from 1969 to 1971, general manager for the Northern Theatre Ballet from 1971 to 1972, and the company manager for the Indiana Theatre Company from 1972 to 1973. In addition, Mr. Olsen has found success as the author in 1997 of the book Why Angels Have Wings: A Pneumatological Assay of Beings of the Spirit Realms and myriad articles for national publications.
Before embarking on his professional path, Mr. Olsen pursued an education at Macalester College, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in 1968. He continued his academic efforts with a Master of Arts at Saint Cloud State University in 1971 and doctoral studies at Indiana University from 1972 to 1978.
Beyond his professional responsibilities, Mr. Olsen served as a leader in a variety of volunteer capacities. Highlights of this service include his capacity as founder and leader of the Asmat Sago Worm Society from 1997 to 2018, chair of the Arts, Faith and Culture Advisory Committee at United Theological Seminary from 2014-17, trustee and development chair for Oak Hill Montessori school from 2011 to 2013, founder and past chair of the American Museum of Asmat Art from 1993 to 2008, board president for the Minnesota Humane Society from 1987 to 1993, vice chair of the Governor's Residence Council from 1982 to 1984,, and board chair of Arts Midwest from 1981 to 1984.
In light of his exceptional undertakings, Mr. Olsen has accrued several accolades throughout his impressive career. He was recognized by President Ronald Reagan and the National Endowment for the Arts for administering landmark arts funding partnerships in 1984, honored as a Theatre and Drama Fellow by Indiana University from 1972 to 1975, among Outstanding Young Men in America in 1977 and 1983, and as a Career Executive in the State of Minnesota from 1981 to 1984. He was also presented with a Community Service Award from the Chimera Theatre Company in 1985. Featured in the 1997 editions of International Who's Who of Professionals and the Dictionary of International Biography, and selected for inclusion in multiple editions of Who's Who in Entertainment and Who's Who in the Midwest.
In recognition of outstanding contributions to his profession and the Marquis Who's Who community, Mr. Olsen has been featured on the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement website. Please visit www.ltachievers.com for more information about this honor.
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