Olson, a member of Local 1629, Phoenix, started as a brakeman on the Southern Pacific (now part of the Union Pacific) in 1966.

“Because I was six foot four inches tall, I was appointed ‘inner guard’ of the local the year after I started; that meant I watched the door and kept the bad guys out of meetings,” Olson joked.

Olson was elected alternate local legislative representative and vice local chairperson in 1969, legislative representative and local chairperson in 1972, and state legislative director in 1998.

“I want to thank President Futhey, Assistant President Martin and GS&T Thompson for the honor of having worked with them in service to the members of the UTU,” Olson said. “It has been my distinct honor to serve the members for the last 11 years as state director. The members of this union have always been good brothers and sisters to me and I have been fortunate to have such great assistant directors in my years. To them all I say ‘thank you.’”

Assistant State Legislative Director Greg Hynes, a member of Local 1081 in Glendale, has been elevated to state director. Hynes had been elected assistant director for two terms. Olson says Hynes "is qualified to keep up the UTU's reputation as a fighter for our members rights at the Arizona capitol and with our Congressional delegation. Good luck to him and my best to our members, forever.”

NASLD Assistant Chairperson Don Dunlevy of Pennsylvania has assumed the chairmanship of that group. As directed by the UTU Constitution and bylaws of the NASLD, that group will hold an election for the position of assistant chairperson.

The NASLD is comprised of all state legislative directors and meets yearly at regional meetings, and other times as necessary, to share ideas, coordinate efforts and offer mutual assistance. The association is currently working on a computerized databank of state laws and regulations that can be accessed by state legislative directors to help them work for stronger laws and safer working conditions for all members.