Darcy A. Olsen
Encyclopedia
Darcy A. Olsen is the president and chief executive officer of the Goldwater Institute
. Phoenix-based media have cited Olsen’s leadership, which has resulted in major policy reforms including private school scholarships for foster children, more transparency in government and legal cases vindicating individual rights protected by the Arizona Constitution. She has written columns for national newspapers including the Wall Street Journal and USA Today
and appeared on public affairs television programs across the country including The O'Reilly Factor
, the Dennis Miller Show and Inside Politics. Glenn Beck
included Olsen's thoughts in his 2009-10 American Revival Tour.
. When Olsen was 10 years old, her family moved to Richfield, Utah
. Olsen attended high school in St. George, Utah
, where she was active in student groups.
at Georgetown University
in Washington, D.C. While attending classes, Olsen also worked as a drug counselor and transition house manager for the Coalition for the Homeless
in Washington, D.C.
In 1993, Olsen earned a bachelor of science degree from Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service
. Then she enrolled in graduate school at New York University
. She earned a master’s degree in international education in 1995 after studying foreign educational systems with an emphasis in developing countries of North Africa.
. A year later, she returned to Washington, D.C. in a similar role for the Cato Institute
, a libertarian think tank that focuses on the promotion of limited government and economic freedom.
’s administration to significantly expand the federal government’s role in providing child care for American families.
Two years later, Olsen wrote a new report about proposals in a variety of states to provide universal preschool because of claims that at-risk children need a stable instructional environment at earlier ages to be successful in school as they get older. In her review of the available scientific research, Olsen claimed that government-sponsored early childhood education provides no lasting improvement in the average student’s learning skills or chances for success later.
in 2001 to lead the Goldwater Institute, established in 1988 with the blessing of the late Senator Barry Goldwater
. She oversees all of aspects of the Institute’s operations including policy research, litigation, fund-raising, outreach and administration. Designated as a 501(c3) non-profit, the Goldwater Institute reported a budget of $3 million in 2008 and has been awarded the highest possible rating for a charity. Reporters and media outlets regularly seek out Olsen’s analysis on the state budget, proposed tax increases and strengthening the economy.
Under Olsen’s direction, the Goldwater Institute has evolved from a purely academic research institution into a taxpayer watchdog. In 2003, the Institute started an annual Legislative Report Card which reviews hundreds of votes by the Arizona Legislature and assigns letter grades to individual lawmakers based on whether their votes adhere to the Arizona Constitution.
Many observers say changes initiated by Olsen have elevated the Goldwater Institute into a premier catalyst for public policy reform. In 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011, the Arizona Capitol Times
and its readers selected Goldwater as the “Best Capitol Watchdog” in Arizona, in 2009 as “Leader of the Year” in Policy Development, and in 2011 as hosting the "Best Political Fundraiser" for its 2010 Gala Dinner featuring New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie. Washington Post and Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist George Will
described the Institute as "America's most potent advocate of limited government."
for outstanding achievements in advancing free-market philosophies.
and the Pat Tillman
Foundation. She serves on the board of directors for Arizona School Choice Trust, a tuition scholarship organization for low-income children. She also serves on the board of directors for Independent Newspapers/newszap.com.
Goldwater Institute
The Goldwater Institute is a Phoenix, Arizona-based conservative public policy research organization established in 1988. The president is Darcy A. Olsen. The Goldwater Institute advances public policies with emphasis on lower taxes, limited government spending, school choice, and a reduction in...
. Phoenix-based media have cited Olsen’s leadership, which has resulted in major policy reforms including private school scholarships for foster children, more transparency in government and legal cases vindicating individual rights protected by the Arizona Constitution. She has written columns for national newspapers including the Wall Street Journal and USA Today
USA Today
USA Today is a national American daily newspaper published by the Gannett Company. It was founded by Al Neuharth. The newspaper vies with The Wall Street Journal for the position of having the widest circulation of any newspaper in the United States, something it previously held since 2003...
and appeared on public affairs television programs across the country including The O'Reilly Factor
The O'Reilly Factor
The O'Reilly Factor, originally titled The O'Reilly Report from 1996 to 1998 and often called The Factor, is an American talk show on the Fox News Channel hosted by commentator Bill O'Reilly, who often discusses current controversial political issues with guests.The program was the most watched...
, the Dennis Miller Show and Inside Politics. Glenn Beck
Glenn Beck
Glenn Edward Lee Beck is an American conservative radio host, vlogger, author, entrepreneur, political commentator and former television host. He hosts the Glenn Beck Program, a nationally syndicated talk-radio show that airs throughout the United States on Premiere Radio Networks...
included Olsen's thoughts in his 2009-10 American Revival Tour.
Early years
Darcy Ann Olsen was born in Bennington, Vermont, which provided the nearest hospital to her family’s home town of Hoosick Falls, New YorkHoosick Falls, New York
Hoosick Falls is a village in Rensselaer County, New York, United States. The population was 3,182 at the 2010 census, a decline of 254 since 2000. During its peak around 1900, the village had a population of about 7,000...
. When Olsen was 10 years old, her family moved to Richfield, Utah
Richfield, Utah
Richfield is a city in and the county seat of Sevier County, Utah, in the United States, and is the largest city in southern-central Utah. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 7,551. It lies in the Mormon Corridor, just off of Interstate 70 about 40 miles east of its junction with...
. Olsen attended high school in St. George, Utah
St. George, Utah
St. George is a city located in the southwestern part of the U.S. state of Utah, and the county seat of Washington County, Utah. It is the principal city of and is included in the St. George, Utah, Metropolitan Statistical Area. The city is 119 miles northeast of Las Vegas, Nevada, and 303 miles ...
, where she was active in student groups.
College
In 1989, Olsen received a scholarship to attend the Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign ServiceEdmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service
The Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service is a school within Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., United States. Jesuit priest Edmund A...
at Georgetown University
Georgetown University
Georgetown University is a private, Jesuit, research university whose main campus is in the Georgetown neighborhood of Washington, D.C. Founded in 1789, it is the oldest Catholic university in the United States...
in Washington, D.C. While attending classes, Olsen also worked as a drug counselor and transition house manager for the Coalition for the Homeless
Coalition for the Homeless
…The National Coalition for the Homeless is a national network of people who are currently experiencing or who have experienced homelessness, activists and advocates, community-based and faith-based service providers, and others committed to a single mission...
in Washington, D.C.
In 1993, Olsen earned a bachelor of science degree from Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service
Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service
The Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service is a school within Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., United States. Jesuit priest Edmund A...
. Then she enrolled in graduate school at New York University
New York University
New York University is a private, nonsectarian research university based in New York City. NYU's main campus is situated in the Greenwich Village section of Manhattan...
. She earned a master’s degree in international education in 1995 after studying foreign educational systems with an emphasis in developing countries of North Africa.
Professional career
After her graduation from NYU, Olsen moved back to Utah and worked as a copywriter and editor for Weber State UniversityWeber State University
Weber State University is a public university located in the city of Ogden in Weber County, Utah, USA. It was founded in 1889 and is a coeducational, publicly supported university offering professional, liberal arts and technical certificates, as well as associate, bachelor's and master's degrees...
. A year later, she returned to Washington, D.C. in a similar role for the Cato Institute
Cato Institute
The Cato Institute is a libertarian think tank headquartered in Washington, D.C. It was founded in 1977 by Edward H. Crane, who remains president and CEO, and Charles Koch, chairman of the board and chief executive officer of the conglomerate Koch Industries, Inc., the largest privately held...
, a libertarian think tank that focuses on the promotion of limited government and economic freedom.
Cato Institute
In 1997, the Cato Institute promoted her to entitlements policy analyst to examine Social Security, health care subsidies and other types of support from the federal government. Her first report for Cato focused on an anticipated proposal from President Bill ClintonBill Clinton
William Jefferson "Bill" Clinton is an American politician who served as the 42nd President of the United States from 1993 to 2001. Inaugurated at age 46, he was the third-youngest president. He took office at the end of the Cold War, and was the first president of the baby boomer generation...
’s administration to significantly expand the federal government’s role in providing child care for American families.
Two years later, Olsen wrote a new report about proposals in a variety of states to provide universal preschool because of claims that at-risk children need a stable instructional environment at earlier ages to be successful in school as they get older. In her review of the available scientific research, Olsen claimed that government-sponsored early childhood education provides no lasting improvement in the average student’s learning skills or chances for success later.
Goldwater Institute
Olsen came to PhoenixPhoenix, Arizona
Phoenix is the capital, and largest city, of the U.S. state of Arizona, as well as the sixth most populated city in the United States. Phoenix is home to 1,445,632 people according to the official 2010 U.S. Census Bureau data...
in 2001 to lead the Goldwater Institute, established in 1988 with the blessing of the late Senator Barry Goldwater
Barry Goldwater
Barry Morris Goldwater was a five-term United States Senator from Arizona and the Republican Party's nominee for President in the 1964 election. An articulate and charismatic figure during the first half of the 1960s, he was known as "Mr...
. She oversees all of aspects of the Institute’s operations including policy research, litigation, fund-raising, outreach and administration. Designated as a 501(c3) non-profit, the Goldwater Institute reported a budget of $3 million in 2008 and has been awarded the highest possible rating for a charity. Reporters and media outlets regularly seek out Olsen’s analysis on the state budget, proposed tax increases and strengthening the economy.
Under Olsen’s direction, the Goldwater Institute has evolved from a purely academic research institution into a taxpayer watchdog. In 2003, the Institute started an annual Legislative Report Card which reviews hundreds of votes by the Arizona Legislature and assigns letter grades to individual lawmakers based on whether their votes adhere to the Arizona Constitution.
Many observers say changes initiated by Olsen have elevated the Goldwater Institute into a premier catalyst for public policy reform. In 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011, the Arizona Capitol Times
Arizona Capitol Times
The Arizona Capitol Times is a non-partisan, weekly newspaper covering state politics and government published every Friday in Phoenix, Arizona. The paper focuses on the Arizona Legislature, the state's politicians, government agencies and elected leadership....
and its readers selected Goldwater as the “Best Capitol Watchdog” in Arizona, in 2009 as “Leader of the Year” in Policy Development, and in 2011 as hosting the "Best Political Fundraiser" for its 2010 Gala Dinner featuring New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie. Washington Post and Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist George Will
George Will
George Frederick Will is an American newspaper columnist, journalist, and author. He is a Pulitzer Prize-winner best known for his conservative commentary on politics...
described the Institute as "America's most potent advocate of limited government."
Honors and awards
She was named one of Arizona’s top Women in Public Policy and one of the Phoenix Business Journal’s Power Players in 2006, and one of Phoenix’s Forty Under 40 in 2009. She also received the Roe Award, offered by the State Policy NetworkState Policy Network
The State Policy Network is a U.S. national network of free-market oriented think tanks focused on individual U.S. states. SPN is based in Arlington, Virginia.-History:SPN was founded in 1992 by Thomas A...
for outstanding achievements in advancing free-market philosophies.
Charities and other activities
Darcy Olsen frequently competes in races to raise money for charities such as breast cancer prevention, the Make-A-Wish FoundationMake-A-Wish Foundation
The Make-A-Wish Foundation is a 501 non-profit organization founded in the United States that grants wishes to children who have life-threatening medical conditions. The charity now operates in forty-seven countries around the world through thirty-six affiliate offices.The president & CEO of this...
and the Pat Tillman
Pat Tillman
Corporal Patrick Daniel "Pat" Tillman Jr. was an American football player who left his professional career and enlisted in the United States Army in June 2002 in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001, attacks. He joined the Army Rangers and served several tours in combat before he died in the...
Foundation. She serves on the board of directors for Arizona School Choice Trust, a tuition scholarship organization for low-income children. She also serves on the board of directors for Independent Newspapers/newszap.com.