Keith Olson
Keith Olson is a nonprofit finance executive who has served at The Rockefeller FoundationThe Rockefeller FoundationThe Rockefeller Foundation is a private philanthropic foundation headquartered in New York City. It was chartered by New York State legislation in 1913 with funding from Standard Oil founder John D. Rockefeller, with the mission “to promote the well-being of mankind throughout the world.” In its early years it funded global public health, medical education, and yellow fever vaccine research; in the mid-20th century it supported agricultural programs that came to be known as the “Green Revolution”; and in recent years it has focused its work on energy, health, food, and climate.Open the full entry since 2024, first as Chief Financial Officer; as of October 2026 his title is Chief Financial Administrative Officer. He previously served for more than a decade as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Council on Foreign Relations.
Contents7 sections
Key facts
Early Years: Education and Corporate Finance Work
Olson earned two Bachelor of Science degrees, in economics and industrial management, from Purdue University, and later an MBA from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business.[1]
Early Years: At the Gates Foundation
Olson then spent about eight years at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in Seattle as Director of Financial Planning and Analysis, and for a time served as interim Chief Financial Officer. During his tenure he built the foundation-wide budgeting and capital allocation processes, helped develop the foundation’s initial approach to using program-related investments (PRIs) beyond traditional grants, and took part in strategy development and impact assessment processes.[2][1][3][1][1]
2012–2023Chief Financial Officer of the Council on Foreign Relations
In 2012, Olson joined the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, overseeing functions including financial management, risk management, information technology, digital, and facilities operations until 2023.[4][1]
At CFR, he helped Foreign Affairs magazine develop its digital and revenue strategy, led several website redesigns, and implemented multiple enterprise IT systems to streamline administration.[1]
February 26, 2024Named Chief Financial Officer of the Rockefeller Foundation
On February 26, 2024, The Rockefeller Foundation announced the appointment of Olson as Chief Financial Officer. He joined as Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, responsible for the foundation’s financial management and information technology. Natalye Paquin, then the foundation’s Chief Operating Officer, said the experience and approach Olson brought would help take the foundation’s work to a new level; Olson said he was honored to work with the foundation’s partners and staff to address the critical challenge of climate.[1][2][1][1][1]
March 14, 2024Interview with CFO Dive
In March 2024, Olson formally took over the foundation’s finances. In a CFO Dive interview published on March 14, 2024, he said the CFO role encompasses error-free operational finance, analytical capability with a long-term view, and advancing the institution’s strategic goals through a partnership model; he also said the climate crisis was an important motivation for joining the foundation.[3][3][3][3][3]
As of October 2026, the foundation’s leadership list gives Olson’s title as Chief Financial Administrative Officer.[5]
Related Organizations, Websites, and Public Accounts
The Rockefeller Foundation: Official website: https://www.rockefellerfoundation.org/ (opens in a new window).[2]
Council on Foreign Relations: Official website: https://www.cfr.org/ (opens in a new window).[4]