Mitchell Hancock

Mitchell Hancock

Research & Digital Media Strategist

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Mitchell Hancock (he/him), Research and Digital Media Strategist, joined CURE in 2022. Mitchell moved to western Minnesota to attend the University of Minnesota, Morris. While at college, he grew a deep attachment to the agrarian and prairie landscape—and the Morris community. He also witnessed the unique problems affecting rural communities and became a local activist. He found himself involved in several organizations advocating for the expansion of the arts, investment in rural infrastructure, and divestment from fossil fuels. He worked with several other area leaders to organize young people to unlock their collective power in university environments and the greater Morris community.

Mitchell graduated from the University of Minnesota, Morris, with degrees in Sociology and Anthropology. Mitchell enjoys producing music, photography, and audio-visual projects focusing on rural issues and culture. An avid outdoorsman who now resides in Duluth, MN, Mitchell’s work is motivated by a desire to preserve our natural resources.

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Kelsey Olson

Kelsey Olson

Director of Environmental Stewardship

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Kelsey Olson (she/her) joined CURE in 2025 as its Director of Environmental Stewardship. As a skilled environmental naturalist, Kelsey’s work focuses broadly on environmental education and advocacy with a keen focus on rural land use and how that use impacts our environment and climate. Working Lands, how land is used to support agriculture and forestry, is a key focus of her work. She brings 15 years’ experience in public communication, environmental education, and rural community engagement – strong communication strategies are core in her work. This includes two terms of service with AmeriCorps in the VISTA program in Oregon and Maryland and a nearly 10-year career as a naturalist followed. She recently worked on communications and marketing for rural economic development.

Kelsey lives in New London, MN, with her young children, husband, dog, and two cats. They enjoy spending time together outside and finding small treasures in nature. Visits to Minneapolis often include visits to one of their favorite historical museums, the Minnesota Swedish Institute. Kelsey enjoys experimenting in the kitchen, whether this is canning local produce, making kombucha, or other treats!

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