Jeff Olson is a consultant working to connect communities with thier heritage and culture. His private practice creates green infrastructure solutions for public, private , and nonoprofit clients. Mr. Olson recently served as Director of Millennium Trails, an award-winning initiative to create a national network of trails as part of America's legacy for the year 2000. The Millennium Trails partnership was supported by the White House Millennium Council, the U.S. Department of Transportation, American Express Company, and a "Green Ribbon" panel of national leaders".
Mr. Olson is a registered architect and a graduate of both Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (B. Architecture '83) and the State University of New York - Empire State College (M.A. Public Policy '94). He has had a diverse career ranging from grassroots organizations to big business, including work for IBM, several consulting firms, 10 years of private practice as an architect/planner and as co-founder of the Saratoga Open Space Project.
From 1993-98, Jeff served as the New York State DOT Bicycle and Pedestrian Program Manager and supported the development of the 350-mile Erie Canal Trail and the Hudson Valley Greenway. He has also been a volunteer team leader for the innovative Grand Canyon Greenway Project in Arizona and was involved in the redesign of the Las Vegas Strip in Nevada. Recent projects include the "Take Action, Jackson" public forum for safe roads and pathways in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, the "Gateways and Greenways" project in Erie, Pennsylvania, and the Chaplain Canal Trail concept plan for the New York State Canalway Trail Partnership.
Mr. Olson is a frequent speaker on quality of life, transportation, and visionary topics at national and international conferences, and has published numerous papers and documents. He enjoys traveling, bicycling, and skiing, and looks forward to raising his family in a world of optimism and hope.
