Donny Olson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Donald Olson
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| Member of the Alaska Senate | |
| Assumed office January 15, 2001 |
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| Preceded by | Albert P. Adams |
| Constituency | District S (2001–2003) District T (2003–present) |
| Personal details | |
| Born | June 18, 1953 Nome, Territory of Alaska |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Willow |
| Children | 7 |
| Residences | Golovin, Alaska, U.S. |
| Alma mater | University of Minnesota (BA) Oral Roberts University (MD) University of Colorado Law School (JD) University of Cambridge |
| Profession | Physician Aviator |
Donald C. "Donny" Olson (born June 18, 1953) is an American doctor, lawyer, pilot, and politician. He is currently a member of the Alaska Senate, which is like the state's law-making group. He has served there since 2001. Senator Olson represents many small towns in Western and Arctic Alaska, including places like Nome, Kotzebue, and Utqiagvik.
Early Life and Education
Donny Olson was born in a village called Golovin, Alaska, which is where he still lives today. He went to Covenant High School in Unalakleet. After high school, he studied at several universities.
He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Chemistry from the University of Minnesota, Duluth. Later, he became a doctor, getting his M.D. from Oral Roberts University School of Medicine. He also studied law, earning a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Colorado School of Law. He even did more law studies at Cambridge University in England.
Donny Olson's Career
Besides being a politician, Donny Olson has had many interesting jobs. He is the president and CEO of Olson Air Service, an airline company based in Nome, Alaska. This means he helps run a business that flies planes.
In 1995, the Governor of Alaska, Tony Knowles, chose him to be part of the Alaska State Medical Board. This board helps make rules for doctors in Alaska. He served on this board until he became a senator in 2001.
Senator Olson is known for being very honest. Once, someone tried to offer him money to vote a certain way on a bill about oil taxes. He refused the money and instead helped the FBI investigate the situation. This showed his strong commitment to doing what is right.
In the Alaska Senate, politicians often work in groups called "caucuses." From 2013 to 2014, Senator Olson worked with the Republicans. Later, from 2015 to 2023, he was part of the Democratic group. Currently, he is part of a large group of 17 senators from different parties who work together.
External Links
- Alaska State Legislature - Senator Donald Olson official AK Senate website
- Project Vote Smart - Representative Donald Olson (AK) profile
- Donny Olson at 100 Years of Alaska's Legislature
