BISMARCK — Carol Olson, believed to be the first woman to serve as a North Dakota governor’s chief of staff and lead the state Department of Human Services, died Sunday, Nov. 30, in Colorado, one day after celebrating her 77th birthday.

Olson was active in North Dakota Republican politics for decades, leading successful campaigns for governors and other statewide officials.

“She was a trailblazer, no doubt about it,” said Republican U.S. Sen. John Hoeven, who hired Olson to run his campaign for governor in 2000. “Everybody always knew she was a person you could count on. She was tough, but had a huge heart.”

Former Gov. Ed Schafer said Olson was active in state politics when he met her at the state Republican convention in 1988. He said Olson, the former campaign manager for Republican

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