Montana League of Cities and Towns (the League) Board of Directors is pleased to announce the selection of Jennifer Olson as the organization's permanent Executive Director.
Jennifer has served as Interim Executive Director since May 2026, providing steady leadership while continuing the League's mission of advocating for and strengthening Montana's municipalities. Following a comprehensive selection process, the Board unanimously chose Jennifer to lead the organization into its next chapter.
"Jennifer has demonstrated exceptional leadership, vision, and commitment to Montana's cities and towns," said League Board President, Gail Leeper "Her ability to build partnerships, navigate complex policy issues, and advocate effectively on behalf of local governments made her the clear choice to lead the League. We are excited for the future under her leadership."
Jennifer joined Montana League of Cities and Towns in July 2024 as the organization's first Government Affairs Director, bringing more than twenty years of experience serving communities at the federal, state, and nonprofit levels. Throughout her career, she has focused on helping communities thrive by building strong partnerships, securing resources, and developing collaborative solutions to complex challenges.
Before joining the League, Jennifer served at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, where she connected federal resources with local communities across Montana. Prior to that, she led housing, infrastructure, and community development programs at the Montana Department of Commerce and began her career with a community action organization serving Montanans in need.
Since joining the League, Jennifer has played a key role in advancing the association’s legislative and policy priorities. Among her accomplishments are:
- Collaborating with the Montana Department of Commerce to secure a $7 million PRO Housing Grant to accelerate the development of affordable and attainable housing across Montana.
- Protecting municipal revenue sources during the 2025 Legislative Session while securing an inflationary adjustment to municipal general fund calculations.
- Successfully opposing costly regulatory proposals that would have imposed millions of dollars in unnecessary wastewater treatment costs on Montana communities.
- Representing Montana municipalities before the Montana Legislature, in Washington, D.C., and through active leadership with the National League of Cities while strengthening relationships with Montana's Congressional delegation.
As Executive Director, Jennifer will lead the League's strategic direction, advocacy efforts, member services, and organizational operations while continuing to work closely with municipal leaders across the state to address the challenges and opportunities facing Montana communities.
"I am honored by the Board's confidence and grateful for the opportunity to continue serving Montana's cities and towns," said Olson. "I have loved working with Montana’s local governments and being in service to the people who lead them. Every city and town has its own character, needs, challenges and goals, and they work daily to provide the best service to their communities. For me this role is an honor and privilege. I am grateful for the opportunity to continue supporting the people who are shaping Montana communities and look forward to working alongside our members, Board, staff, and partners to ensure Montana communities remain vibrant, resilient, and prepared for the future."