Kerstyn Olson
Director of Research and Policy at California Emerging Technology Fund- Claim this Profile
Click to upgrade to our gold package
for the full feature experience.
-
English -
Topline Score
Bio
J. Josh Guevara
Kerstyn Olson is an capable and dedicated professional, who is not only a pleasure to work with but has a incredible eye for complex policy. I depended upon her great work to close the digital divide in San José with the launch of the Digital Inclusion Fund. She executed four high-profile Board Meetings with twenty Silicon Valley executives, and coordinated a complex City Council memorandum, culminating in the award of $1M in grants to 23 community-based organizations, helping to set a national standard. Kerstyn brings integrity and intelligence to her work, and is tireless in achieving the goals of the overall Team. Her collective background in law, public policy and politics informs her vision, work ethic, and values to contribute to a high-performing team.
J. Josh Guevara
Kerstyn Olson is an capable and dedicated professional, who is not only a pleasure to work with but has a incredible eye for complex policy. I depended upon her great work to close the digital divide in San José with the launch of the Digital Inclusion Fund. She executed four high-profile Board Meetings with twenty Silicon Valley executives, and coordinated a complex City Council memorandum, culminating in the award of $1M in grants to 23 community-based organizations, helping to set a national standard. Kerstyn brings integrity and intelligence to her work, and is tireless in achieving the goals of the overall Team. Her collective background in law, public policy and politics informs her vision, work ethic, and values to contribute to a high-performing team.
J. Josh Guevara
Kerstyn Olson is an capable and dedicated professional, who is not only a pleasure to work with but has a incredible eye for complex policy. I depended upon her great work to close the digital divide in San José with the launch of the Digital Inclusion Fund. She executed four high-profile Board Meetings with twenty Silicon Valley executives, and coordinated a complex City Council memorandum, culminating in the award of $1M in grants to 23 community-based organizations, helping to set a national standard. Kerstyn brings integrity and intelligence to her work, and is tireless in achieving the goals of the overall Team. Her collective background in law, public policy and politics informs her vision, work ethic, and values to contribute to a high-performing team.
J. Josh Guevara
Kerstyn Olson is an capable and dedicated professional, who is not only a pleasure to work with but has a incredible eye for complex policy. I depended upon her great work to close the digital divide in San José with the launch of the Digital Inclusion Fund. She executed four high-profile Board Meetings with twenty Silicon Valley executives, and coordinated a complex City Council memorandum, culminating in the award of $1M in grants to 23 community-based organizations, helping to set a national standard. Kerstyn brings integrity and intelligence to her work, and is tireless in achieving the goals of the overall Team. Her collective background in law, public policy and politics informs her vision, work ethic, and values to contribute to a high-performing team.
Credentials
-
LexisNexis Professional Research / Practice Ready Certification
LexisNexisMar, 2017- Oct, 2024
Experience
-
California Emerging Technology Fund
-
United States
-
Non-profit Organization Management
-
1 - 100 Employee
-
Director of Research and Policy
-
May 2021 - Present
Assist with crafting Public Policy to support Universal Broadband Access and Digital Equity for All, including the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP).Coordinate and Lead Briefings with Offices of Federal Officials to share best practices for the Advancement of Digital Equity and Digital Inclusion.Lead Research Collaborations with the Pew Charitable Trusts, Nationally Recognized NonprofitsRecruit Advisory Board Members, Host Advisory Board Meetings, Sponsor Board ActivitiesAuthor and Collaborate on Digital Equity Grant Applications to Local, State and Federal EntitiesAuthor Policy Briefs for Executives detailing the latest developments in Digital Equity Policy Show less
-
-
Policy Advisor and Research Manager
-
May 2021 - Aug 2022
Implement T-Mobile Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with respect to Digital Inclusion Programs and Core Mission Operations and Functions. Provide Support as necessary with School-based programs and School2Home, Digital Literacy Training; and Grants for Local and Regional Governments.Support and Advance the CETF-University of Southern California (USC) Research Partnership, including the Inaugural Research Advisory Board.Assist CETF in information gathering for regulatory proceedings before the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC).Participate in activities and preparation of documents related to development of State policy to accelerate broadband deployment and adoptions to achieve Digital Equity.Assist with development of collaborative partnerships to apply for Federal and State funding. Show less
-
-
-
-
Program Manager, Digital Inclusion Partnership
-
Sep 2019 - Jun 2020
Recruit, Organize and Manage the San José Digital Inclusion Partnership’s Advisory Board and oversee Board Meetings. Author and Administer Advisory Board Bylaws. Ensure compliance of Conflict of Interest regulations for Advisory Board voting. Coordinate, Author and Deliver numerous high-profile City Council Memos and Power Point Presentations. Implement all aspects of City of San José Grant Administration, including the execution of Grant Agreements. Drive coordination between the Program Director and the City of San José’s Executive Leadership Team. Represent the City Manager’s Office across all stakeholder groups to clearly delineate roles and responsibilities. Show less
-
-
Board Member, City of San José Board of Fair Campaign and Political Practices
-
Mar 2019 - Sep 2019
Monitor and incentivize compliance with all campaign and ethics ordinances in the San José Municipal Code. Review and investigate allegations of violations of the Municipal Code and take enforcement action where appropriate. Make recommendations to the City Council with regard to campaign and ethics regulations and policies. Settle challenges to Board decisions in accordance with the Municipal Code.
-
-
-
Ripple
-
Business Consulting and Services
-
Legal and Compliance Intern
-
May 2017 - Aug 2017
Supported the Legal and Compliance teams on several projects, including: contract review, research for trademark infringement, intellectual property review and oversight, California public policy and legislative analysis. Supported the Legal and Compliance teams on several projects, including: contract review, research for trademark infringement, intellectual property review and oversight, California public policy and legislative analysis.
-
-
-
-
Graduate
-
May 2017 - May 2017
Certified by the "Prosecutor Academy" - a legal advocacy seminar hosted by the Contra Costa County District Attorney's Office. Delivered Opening Statements, Direct Examinations, Cross Examinations, and Closing Arguments of a hypothetical case to an audience of legal experts. Received substantive feedback and furthered cross-collaboration with other branches of State Government. Certified by the "Prosecutor Academy" - a legal advocacy seminar hosted by the Contra Costa County District Attorney's Office. Delivered Opening Statements, Direct Examinations, Cross Examinations, and Closing Arguments of a hypothetical case to an audience of legal experts. Received substantive feedback and furthered cross-collaboration with other branches of State Government.
-
-
-
University of Southern California
-
United States
-
Medical Practices
-
1 - 100 Employee
-
Chief of Staff
-
Sep 2014 - Aug 2015
Directed the USC Dornsife / Los Angeles Times Poll series. Oversaw all aspects of the Institute of Politics, including: fiscal management, program/event production, campus political internship program, and fundraising. Created and administered a new campus-wide internship dedicated exclusively to research. Supervised four full time and fifteen part-time employees. Served on numerous USC campus-wide committees.
-
-
Interim Director
-
Jan 2014 - Aug 2014
Oversaw all Unruh IOP program development, promotion and implementation, all internship placements and scholarships, fundraising, grant writing, and fiscal management. Moderated the “Students Talk Back” weekly discussion series, which featured analysis of various national and local public policy issues. Served as co-Director of the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences / Los Angeles Times Poll series. Supervised all professional and student staff members.
-
-
Deputy Director
-
Aug 2008 - Dec 2013
Managed all professional and student staff workers. Programmed and implemented all IOP programs - including a weekly discussion series and several multi-day conferences. Substantially increased enrollment in political internship courses.
-
-
-
-
Director
-
Aug 2005 - Jul 2008
Served as the lead University Ambassador for the USC President's Distinguished Artist and Lecture Series, featuring presentations by former World Leaders, Heads of State, and Visiting Dignitaries. Programmed a season of annual 50+ cultural events. Chaired the USC Spectrum Programming committee, consisting of twenty five diverse USC Faculty and Staff. Drafted and signed performance contracts between all visiting artists and the University.
-
-
Associate Director
-
Aug 2002 - Jul 2005
Strategically managed all programming, production, and promotion of the annual cultural events series. Developed relationships with artist's agents and managers to assist with programmatic development. Negotiated the terms of all contracts between every visiting artist and the University.
-
-
Assistant Director
-
Aug 2000 - Jul 2002
Managed an operating budget of $500K. Supervised a staff of one full time and fifteen part time employees. Oversaw the production of all cultural programs. Authored and designed all publicity and marketing materials for the full season of cultural events.
-
-
-
Greek Theatre
-
United States
-
Entertainment Providers
-
1 - 100 Employee
-
Production and Public Relations Intern
-
May 1999 - Oct 1999
Supported the Production Team and Event Manager with Green Room supervision and access, and provided support to technical and managerial staff for event-closing procedures. Supported the Marketing Team with public relations, ad placement, media buys, configuration and archival procedures, and managed inventory for new media event promotion. Supported the Production Team and Event Manager with Green Room supervision and access, and provided support to technical and managerial staff for event-closing procedures. Supported the Marketing Team with public relations, ad placement, media buys, configuration and archival procedures, and managed inventory for new media event promotion.
-
-
Education
-
Santa Clara University School of Law
J.D. Candidate, First Year Curriculum, 1L Summer Externship Course -
USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism
Master of Arts, Communication Law and Policy -
University of Southern California
Bachelor of Science, Music Industry
Community
