Garret Olson, a community leader with decades of experience in local government, business consulting and nonprofit leadership, has been selected as the next San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce’s President and CEO.
Olson was selected by the SLO Chamber Board of Directors at the end of an extensive search process overseen by a CEO Search Committee.
“I’m beyond excited to join the Chamber team,” Olson said. “I’m so passionate about this community, and am ready to jump into continuing the Chamber’s work to connect the business community with ideas, inspiration and each other to shape this place I love.”
Olson spent the first few decades of his career rising through the ranks of fire service, beginning in Arizona and culminating in six years as Fire Chief for the City of San Luis Obispo. His strong leadership experience led him to co-found Resolute Associates, LLC, a consulting business specializing in organizational strategic planning and leadership development. When the Covid-19 pandemic first emerged, Olson temporarily stepped aside from consulting to serve as the CEO of the SLO Food Bank. He works closely with many San Luis Obispo businesses and nonprofits as well as local and regional government, and has served on several SLO Chamber Advisory Bodies.
“The search process began by listening to our members and community,” said Hillary Trout, Chair of the CEO Search Committee. “We gathered input through surveys and conversations, applied that feedback throughout our search, and the best candidate emerged. Garret reflects the values and priorities our members told us matter most.”
While at the City, Olson developed the first Fire Department Strategic Plan, building strong community relationships and ensuring long-term success of the department. In his time at the SLO Food Bank, he transformed the organization’s fiscal policy, established a comprehensive strategic plan and organizational vision, and led the team through the unprecedented disruption of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“We’re thrilled to welcome a CEO with such strong experience in organizational leadership, economic development and bold collaboration,” said June McIvor, Chair of the SLO Chamber’s Board of Directors. “The Chamber is at a pivotal moment in our history, and we’re thrilled to welcome Garret to the helm to steer us into the future.”
Olson succeeds Jim Dantona, who announced his departure as Chamber President and CEO in July to run for the SLO County Board of Supervisors District 2 seat. Dantona will remain President and CEO until December 31, with Olson formally beginning at the Chamber in mid-November to ensure a smooth transition.