Senator Donny Olson

Donald C. "Donny" Olson is an American physician, attorney, commercial pilot, reindeer herder, and politician representing Alaska State Senate District T as a Democrat. Born on June 18, 1953, in Nome, Alaska, Olson is a lifelong Alaskan who has lived in multiple communities across Western and Arctic Alaska, including Golovin, Nome, Unalakleet, Barrow, and Kotzebue.

Olson maintains a diverse professional portfolio as a medical doctor, commercial pilot, reindeer owner and herder, and businessman. He is the president and CEO of Olson Air Service, Inc., based in Nome, Alaska. He is married to Willow Olson and has seven children: Colby, Martin, Donald Jr., Maggie, Solomon, Elise, and David.

Education

Olson's educational background reflects his multifaceted career:

• Various flight schools to achieve multiple pilot certifications including Airline Transport Pilot License, Commercial Licenses for airplanes and helicopters, Airframe & Power Plant Mechanics License, and Inspector Authorization
• Seattle Pacific College
• University of Minnesota, Duluth
• University of Alaska, Fairbanks
• Oral Roberts School of Medicine
• University of Colorado School of Law
• Cambridge University, Cambridge, England

Political Experience

Olson has served in the Alaska State Senate continuously since 2001, representing rural and Arctic communities in Western Alaska. Prior to his senate career, he was appointed to the Alaska State Medical Board by Governor Tony Knowles in 1995, serving until 2001.

A notable achievement in his career was his role in the Alaska political corruption probe. Olson was the sole Democrat associated with the investigation and the only Alaska legislator to reject a bribe offer—specifically a proposed $25,000 campaign contribution for his 2004 Lieutenant Governor's race in exchange for voting for an oil tax bill. He subsequently assisted the FBI in making their case against those involved in the corruption scheme.