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 on June 18, 1953, is an important person in Alaska. He is a doctor, a lawyer, and a pilot. He also herds reindeer! Since 2001, he has been a member of the Alaska Senate. This means he helps make laws for the state of Alaska. He represents many towns in Western and Arctic Alaska, like Nome, Kotzebue, and Utqiagvik.
Early Life and Education
Donny Olson grew up in Golovin, Alaska, a village where many Inupiaq people live. He still lives there today. He went to several colleges to learn many things. He studied chemistry at the University of Minnesota, Duluth. Later, he earned his medical degree (M.D.) from Oral Roberts University in Oklahoma. He also got a law degree (J.D.) from the University of Colorado School of Law. He even did more law studies at Cambridge University in England.
Career and Public Service
Donny Olson is the head of Olson Air Service, an airline based in Nome, Alaska. He helps people travel by plane.
In 1995, the governor of Alaska chose him to be on the Alaska State Medical Board. This board helps make sure doctors in Alaska follow the rules. He served there until he became a state senator in 2001.
As a senator, Donny Olson has shown great honesty. He was offered money to vote a certain way on a bill about oil taxes. He refused the offer and instead helped the FBI. This helped make sure that people involved in wrongdoings were held responsible.
In the Alaska Senate, senators often work in groups called "caucuses." These groups help them work together on laws. From 2013 to 2014, Donny Olson worked with the Republican group. Later, from 2015 to 2023, he was part of the Democratic group. Today, he is part of a group of 17 senators from different parties who work together.
