Dan Olsen

Dan is a strategic communicator, trusted advisor and collaborative leader with more than a decade of experience helping mission-driven organizations navigate complexity, inspire action and connect with the audiences who matter most.

He currently serves as Chief of Staff for the College of Communication Arts and Sciences at Michigan State University, where he works alongside academic and administrative leadership to drive strategy, support transformation and elevate the college’s impact. Prior to this role, Dan served as MSU’s Senior Director for Advancement Marketing and Communications, where he led award-winning campaigns and developed the branding and messaging for, and public launch of, the university’s $4 billion fundraising campaign, Uncommon Will, Far Better World — a bold call to Spartans to turn ambition into action and possibility into progress.

Dan also has served as a spokesperson for the university, leading crisis and issues response during some of MSU’s most challenging moments, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the Feb. 13 campus shooting. Across roles in higher education, state government and public affairs, his work has centered on building trust, elevating voices and shaping messages that move people.

He is a two-time Michigan State graduate and a believer in the idea that great communication is about more than what you say—it’s about how you lead, who you empower and the opportunity you foster together.