Crystal Olsen is an accomplished government affairs executive and civic strategist with nearly two decades of experience shaping public policy and advancing transformational equity-driven initiatives across healthcare, government, and business. She currently serves as Area Vice President of Government Affairs at Advocate Health, the third-largest non-for-profit health system in the country and the leading Medicaid provider in Illinois.

In her role, Crystal leads legislative, regulatory, and political strategy across Illinois, Cook County, and the City of Chicago, representing 9 hospitals, over 250 sites of care, and more than 2.2 million patients. 

Crystal was a driving force behind the strategy and advocacy that enabled Advocate’s landmark $1 billion investment to expand healthcare access on Chicago’s South Side—including the first new community hospital built de novo in over a century, on the site of the former U.S. Steel mill. Her leadership helped center community voice, and align a complex web of stakeholders across government, business, and community sectors, resulting in public endorsements from dozens of elected officials and local leaders, including the Governor of Illinois and the Mayor of Chicago.

Her policy achievements include securing Illinois’ first Medicaid rate increase in 28 years, generating hundreds of millions of dollars in added value for the Advocate system; passing sweeping Medicaid managed care reforms to support provider sustainability; and achieving Medicaid coverage for Continuous Glucose Monitors. She also played a key role in launching the South Side Healthy Community Organization, a $150 million initiative adding and connecting care providers to improve outcomes in historically underserved neighborhoods.

Prior to Advocate Health, Crystal served as a staffer in the Illinois Governor’s Office, Lieutenant Governor’s Office, and worked on multiple federal, state, and local political campaigns. She also held public affairs and multi-state lobbying roles in the finance sector, where she led corporate responsibility and communications strategy. Throughout her career, she has built a reputation for navigating complex political environments with authenticity, strategic acumen, and a deep commitment to elevating community voice

Crystal serves on the Board of Directors for the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce and the Illinois Chamber of Commerce and is actively involved in organizations promoting health access and LGBTQ+ advocacy. She is recognized as a connector, coalition-builder, and trusted advocate for people and policy that drive inclusive innovation.

She earned a Master’s degree in Political Science from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and has her Bachelor’s in Political Science and Communication from the same institution. Crystal resides in in the 32nd Ward of Chicago, with her partner and her rescue dog, Cleo.