Lindsay Oles

That foundation shaped Lindsay’s lifelong commitment to helping others thrive, especially those who are often unseen or underserved. Transitioning into nonprofit leadership felt like a natural evolution of that passion. CRi’s mission perfectly reflects Lindsay’s personal values of empathy, inclusion, and human connection, and she feels privileged to contribute to an organization that centers people in all that it does. 

As Chief of Staff and Board Secretary, Lindsay partners closely with CRi’s Leadership and Board of Directors to strengthen organizational alignment, enhance governance, and advance the initiatives that drive our mission forward. Lindsay’s role bridges executive management, strategy, and communication, and translating leadership decisions into meaningful outcomes for the community that CRi serves. Lindsay connects strategy with implementation by fostering collaboration across teams, maintaining focus on organizational priorities, and supporting CRi’s leaders in achieving measurable, sustainable progress. Every day, Lindsay’s work centers deepening board engagement, modernizing governance processes, and ensuring the Board fulfills its fiduciary responsibilities with transparency and care.

Another initiative close to Lindsay’s heart is Friends of CRi, created to bring greater awareness to our cause and connect more people to the heart of our mission. This community-driven effort welcomes supporters, families, and individuals who want to make a difference but may not yet have the time to serve on the Board. Friends of CRi is about building relationships and creating opportunities for meaningful involvement. Without the support of community partners, whether Board members, committee participants, or volunteers, CRi would not be as successful as it is today. 

With a background rooted in education and a career path centered on people, Lindsay brings a relationship-driven and empathetic approach to leadership. Lindsay views her role as a connector, ensuring that CRi's internal culture reflects the compassion and inclusivity that define its programs. Every day at CRi reinforces her belief that real change happens when we invest in people’s potential, nurture trust, and lead with purpose.