Originally from Minnesota, Eric has spent over 20 years living and working in Latin America including Venezuela (where he grew up), Honduras, and Mexico.  He has traveled extensively in Central America and the region. In addition to his work with SIF, he is a consultant with the Wilson Center’s Latin American Program and Mexico Institute, where he worked for 11 years before joining the Foundation.  Prior to his arrival at the Wilson Center he worked with the Secretariat for Political Affairs at the Organization of American States, at Amnesty International USA as Advocacy Director for the Americas, and at the Washington Office on Latin America.  He also worked for a Member of Congress from Minnesota after graduating college.

Olson was an event speaker at the Dialogue.