Sharing a passion for community service
by Rebecca Seymour
The Oconomowoc Area Foundation is pleased to welcome Jim Olson to its board of directors. Jim and his wife Leslie and their two daughters have lived in Oconomowoc since 2006.
Prior to retiring in January 2024, Jim enjoyed a 35-year career working in manufacturing in a variety of engineering and operations leadership roles. Throughout his career he had the opportunity to live and work in Wisconsin, Ohio, El Paso, Texas/Juarez, Mexico, and Calgary, AB Canada. With his wife Leslie, Jim enjoys traveling and outdoor adventures throughout North America and Europe.
“With both work and leisure, I have been inspired by witnessing kindness and good deeds in many cultures. Community involvement and volunteering my time has always been an integral part of my life,” said Jim. “Prior to starting a family, I participated as a mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters. I was paired with three little brothers over several years and was honored with my wife as ‘Bigs of the Year’ in El Paso, TX in 2002.”
Jim and Leslie have been members and donors of Pabst Farms YMCA since 2006, as well as several other Wisconsin organizations, including UW Alumni, Tall Pines Conservancy, Aldo Leopold Foundation, and the International Crane Foundation.
An avid outdoor enthusiast, Jim volunteers with Trout Unlimited and the Lake Redstone Protection District and can often be found helping out as a trishaw driver for Shorehaven Senior living and as a trash picker for the Adopt-a-Trail program with Waukesha County. In addition, he previously worked as a lifeguard and wellness coach at the Pabst Farms YMCA.
The Olsons have been members of the Oconomowoc Area Foundation’s Signature Club for over 10 years. Jim is honored to have been asked to serve as an OAF board member and looks forward to helping residents in our community.
