JOHN OLSEN
John Olsen
The YCSAG has many prominent members.
From time to time we will provide a description of their backgrounds and accomplishments.
The first in this series is John Olsen. He has played a prominent role in Prescott’s tri-city area for 60 years.
John is an active member of the Sheriffs Air Group and regularly participates in searches. Anyone who has flown with him is astounded by his knowledge of the local area. He appears to know the history of all of the local ranches and their current owners.
His roles have included rancher, businessman, and political leader.
A list of the activities is as follows:
- Graduated from Colorado State University in Agronomy and Vocational Education.
- Commissioned in the Navy and served in the South Pacific during WWII (1941-1946)
- He is an Arizona rancher and past manager of the ranch slated as water source for the area.
- Founded the Olsen grain stores.
- Received his pilot’s license in 1961 and was chairman of the Prescott Airport Users Association. John has owned a 1957 Cessna 182 since 1974. The plane is now on its 3rd engine and has been upgraded from an 0470 to a 0520 Continental 300hp downgraded to 280hp. It has a three bladed prop, digital tack and an engine analyzer.
- Elected to the Embry Riddle Board of Trustees in 1991 and served as a member of the Development Committee.
- Member of the Yavapai County Board of Supervisors for 16 years and served as its Chairman 4 times.
- Member of the Board of Trustees of Yavapai Regional Medical Center for seven years and Chairman for two years.
- Member of the Chino Winds Natural Resource Conservation District since 1953.
- Member of the Board of Catholic Social Services and Phoenix Diocese Board of Catholic Family and Community Services (now Catholic Charities).
- He was First Vice President of the Yavapai Cattle Growers Association and member since 1954.
- Former Chairman of the Arizona Association of County Supervisors.
- Present Chairman of the Groundwater Users Advisory Council of the Prescott Active Management Area.
- President of the Elks Opera House Foundation since 2005.
- In his spare time he hosts a talk show on KYCA (1490) on Mondays.
Eclipsing all of the above John and Ann Olsen recently celebrated their 60th wedding university.
Raymond J Johnson