Peter S. Olsen serves as Fresh Energy’s Chief Financial and Operations Officer and is a member of the Executive Leadership Team. In this role, he leads the organization’s financial and operational functions, helping ensure that Fresh Energy has the systems, resources, and infrastructure needed to advance its mission and strategic goals. A nonprofit finance and operations leader with more than 25 years of experience, Peter has spent his entire career supporting mission-driven nonprofits.
After earning a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Peter began his career in public accounting. Working for CPA firms in Wisconsin and later with Wipfli, LLP, developed a full-time focus on the nonprofit sector, traveling throughout Minnesota and across the country to audit nonprofit organizations and present on nonprofit finance topics at conference
In 2012, when Peter’s son Selma began kindergarten, Peter transitioned into a nonprofit leadership position and joined the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Upper Midwest Chapter as Finance Director. There, he led finance and data entry operations and served on a national committee that helped guide the consolidation of financial functions across the organization. Following that work, he partnered with chapters around the country to support their transition to a centralized finance model. Peter went on to serve as Chief Financial Officer at YWCA St. Paul, overseeing finance, information technology, and facility operations across 19 buildings.
Before joining Fresh Energy, Peter served as Chief Financial Officer/Chief Operating Officer at Interfaith Action of Greater Saint Paul, where he led finance, human resources, information technology, and facilities. During his tenure, the organization grew from $1.7 million to $5 million in annual revenue, significantly expanded its shelter and food distribution programs, and acquired and renovated a former hotel property to serve more families experiencing homelessness. He also worked closely with the board of directors on financial oversight, risk management, and executive leadership transitions.
Peter is excited to bring his experience in nonprofit finance, operations, and organizational leadership to Fresh Energy, helping build the strong internal foundation needed to advance equitable clean energy solutions across Minnesota.
Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with family and supporting organizations that strengthen Minnesota communities.