CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — The Poultry Science Association recently named Steve Olson as its new executive director. He joined the association on July 6, stepping into the role from Don McIntyre, who has served as interim executive director since January.
“We are excited to welcome Steve Olson to the role of executive director of PSA,” Doug Krover, Poultry Science Association president, said in an announcement. “Steve brings a long history of strategic thinking and leadership within the poultry industry to PSA. We look forward to using Steve’s creativity and initiative to continue to make the Poultry Science Association the world’s most respected resource for the poultry science.”
Olson has more than two decades of association management experience in the poultry industry. He most recently served as CEO and agriculture strategy consultant at Steve Olson Consulting LLC, where he has advised agricultural organizations on strategic planning since 2019, PSA noted.
In addition, Olson served as executive director for multiple poultry associations. For nearly 19 years, he led the Midwest Poultry Federation, Minnesota Turkey Growers Association, Minnesota Turkey Research & Promotion Council, and the Chicken & Egg Association of Minnesota.
Under his leadership, the MPF Convention more than doubled in size growing into one of the 50 fastest growing trade shows in the country and the largest U.S. trade show dedicated entirely to poultry, PSA added.
Prior to his stint with numerous poultry associations, Olson spent the early part of his career with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. He served as a regional manager at the Agricultural Utilization Research Institute and as an agriculture program specialist with the MDA, PSA noted.
Olson will be able to use all of his previous experience in his new role with the PSA. He will be responsible for the overall leadership, management, and sustainability of the association in alignment with its mission, vision, and board-approved strategic priorities, PSA explained.
“PSA served as the recognized scientific authority for the poultry industry for 117 years, and the best is still ahead,” Olson said. “We are focused on connecting our science with the people in production working directly with birds, building professional development that serves scientists at every career stage, and leveraging a committed board and staff to grow PSA’s reach and impact. The foundation is strong. Let’s build.”
Olson earned his bachelor of science degree from the University of Minnesota, is an alum of the Minnesota Agriculture and Rural Leadership Program, and a lifelong FFA Alumni and Supporters member. He is also a Farm Foundation Round Table Fellow, PSA added.
