Andy Olson is an effective leader because he has a servant’s heart and he works to bring people together to get things done. That is how he approaches every aspect of his life.

As a leader in the State Police for twenty nine years, Andy instilled an attitude of customer service and worked to make the agency efficient and accountable. Andy served as Lieutenant and Station Commander in Albany, McMinnville and Beaverton, and worked on other assignments in Albany, Klamath Falls, Cottage Grove, and Salem. Andy was instrumental in developing relationships with county, municipal, state and federal agencies that enhanced the value of the respective agencies through partnership, teamwork and service.

One of the things that Andy most likes to do is to teach. Over the years, you often could find Andy eager to speak in classrooms and read to students as a volunteer. Andy has also taught for years within the public safety arena specifically focusing on leadership and character. He especially enjoys working as an instructor at Linn Benton Community College.

Andy also likes building fences, riding his bike, reading and adding to his extensive library.  Some day, he may publish a fifteen chapter manuscript he spent five years writing about attitude.

After just two short terms as a State Legislator, Andy has been recognized as a leader and has been voted into leadership by his peers.  He has worked hard to build relationships on both sides of the aisle which has allowed him to move important legislation through the process.  He also has a special ability to bring people to the table representing various interests to develop the best legislation possible.  He has played a pivotal role on the House Judiciary Committee.  Currently, he serves on the Criminal Justice Committee, Juvenile Crime Prevention Advisory Committee (JCPAC), Attorney General’s Task Force on Restitution and the Governor’s Task Force on  PSRB.

Andy has an Associates Degree in Law Enforcement from Chemeketa Community College and a Bachelors Degree in Human Resources Management from George Fox.  Andy and his wife Pam have been married for 35 years, they have three grown daughters and three grandchildren.