ABOVE: Kristy Olson is one of this year’s 4 Under 40.

FAIRMONT– Kristy Olson is included in this year’s 4 Under 40 group. The program, now in its fifth year and sponsored by Scouting America, recognizes up and coming leaders in Martin County and Olson’s involvement in multiple groups earned her a spot on this year’s recognition list.

Olson grew up in the Alpha/Jackson area and graduated from Jackson County Central in 2004. Following that she went to South Dakota State University where she studied nursing.

“My mom was a nurse and I decided to follow in her footsteps. I knew I wanted to do something that involved helping people,” Olson explained.

Another event that gave her the desire to help people was a study abroad trip to Africa when she was a college student.

“Seeing how they live and how happy they are with what they have, I felt like I needed to do more,” Olson said.

She did her preceptorship in the critical care unit at Mayo Clinic in Fairmont and got a job there after college. She enjoyed it and has been with Mayo Clinic Health System for 16 years now.

In 2013, Olson transferred from the bedside and now does clinic documentation integrity, which means she works with providers to ensure that they’re documenting everything properly.

She made the transition when she had her first daughter, Raegan. Soon after that, her position switched to a remote role.

“I didn’t think I would like it because I would miss the social part, but we’re on calls and Zoom so much,” Olson explained.

However, she did say that part of the reason she volunteers so much is because she does miss directly helping people.

“It’s a big part of who I feel I am so I wanted to give back in some way,” Olson said.

She joined Project 1590’s Kids Just Want to Have Fun committee soon after it formed in 2017.

“They had already had the idea for the indoor playground at the mall and I heard they were working on it and I thought it sounded fun and I was interested in helping to get it done,” Olson said.

By that time her second daughter, Violet, had been born so Olson was doubly interested in helping to bring events and attractions to children and families.

Speaking to her favorite part of being involved with Kids Just Want to Have Fun, Olson said, “the teamwork and what we have together. I’ve had so many people come up to me and say, ‘if you want something done, we tell them to ask your group.’ Usually when we try to do something, it gets done and I’m proud of the work we’ve done,” Olson said.

In addition to the indoor playground at Five Lakes Centre, the group is also responsible for the 18 hole mini golf course near the Fairmont Aquatic Park. Annually it hosts a successful mother-son event in the fall and a father-daughter dance in the winter.

“It’s been really fun to see the events grow. We had about 300 at the father-daughter dance this year,” Olson said.

Right now, the group is in the process of starting a bike share program with the city’s help and it’s expected to take off this spring.

Along with Kids Just Want to Have Fun, Olson is on the Fairmont Opera House Board. She is also on the CYH (children, youth and families) board at Grace Lutheran Church and teaches Blast on Wednesday nights.

For eight years Olson has also taught Junior Achievement, through the Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce, at Fairmont Elementary School.

“I’m on the library board and I’m also the Martin County TDS representative,” Olson said.

As needed, Olson helps with Meals on Wheels and volunteers at Heaven’s Table Food Shelf. She’s also participated in the Kids Against Hunger food pack and the Elf Shop at Fairmont Elementary School.

Speaking to how she balances work, family and her volunteering, Olson said if you just do one thing once a month it’s really not that big of a commitment.

“I feel passionate about it so I make time for it,” she said.

Often times she’s brought her kids with for the food pack or volunteering at the food shelf so she believes that volunteering sets a good example for her children, too.

Olson learned she had been chosen for this award from her friend and fellow Kids Just Want to Have Fun committee member, Laura Olsen, who also received the award a few years ago and nominated Olson this time around.

“It means a lot coming from her,” Olson said.

She encouraged those who want to get involved to attend a meeting first as she said many are open to the public.

“You don’t need to commit until you see what the group is and if you’re a good fit. It won’t feel like work when you like what you’re doing and like the people you’re with. Just go to a meeting and see if you like it,” she said. “There are so many ways that you can help out, big or small. You don’t have to sign up for a big commitment, just help out when you can.”

Olson and the others, Lakyn Sathoff, Anna Garbers and Laura Spitzer, will be recognized at an event on March 11 at Best Western in Fairmont. Tickets for the events are on sale at scoutingtwinvalley.org/4under40.

“I’m excited for the event and looking forward to hearing about everyone else,” Olson said.