Human Services Executive Director Retires | Video

Jessica Roose | 8/16/2012

It`s always hard to say goodbye to someone you`ve enjoyed working with for many years. That`s exactly what members of the Department of Human Services are doing. Their Executive Director is retiring tomorrow after 15 years of service. She leaves as the longest serving state Human Services Executive Director in the country.

Carol Olson has spent many years behind this desk. dealing with the day to day things that come up in the Department of Human Services.

"I`m very passionate about serving the clients that we have in the department of human services throughout the state of North Dakota. So that was my primary focus when I came over here."

Those who worked along side her during her time at the department say she will be hard to replace.

"There is not a more dedicated public servant. She has a great passion for serving the clients of the department of human services and she focuses her energy and that passion on sustaining services that are really important for vunerable people in the state," said co-worker Heather Steffl.

Friday will be Olson`s last day and she`s doing all she can with every minute she has left.

"It`s never the right time, I knew that. So it didn`t matter if I retired tomorrow or next year or the following year. There are always going to be that and so it`s a good thing to leave when I still feel that I had the energy to stay and the passion to stay."

Retirement is taking her to Colorado where she plans to spend more time with her children and grandkids. But those at the office say it`s not goodbye.

"I`m anxious to hear from Carol about things in her life. Keeping updated on things in her children and grand-children`s lives," said co-worker Maggie Anderson.

"It`s been really fun working with her but I think I also made a lifelong friend," said co-worker Alex Schweitzer.

The Governor will need to appoint someone to take her place in the department.

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