Kimberly D. Olson
Colonel, USAF (retired)
Kimberly Olson, Colonel, United States Air Force retired, is the Executive Director of Grace After Fire. This Texas-based non-profit organization is dedicated to providing outreach to all women veterans and ensuring they have equitable access to care. She also serves as a trustee on the Weatherford Independent School System, School Board, which was recognized as the Texas Outstanding Board of the Year, in 2009. Her educational experience included working as the Director of Human Resources for the Dallas Independent School System, the 2th largest school district in Texas. Kim is known for her global perspective, she has been the key-note speaker throughout the country and appeared on C-Span, international, local TV and radio shows.
Her first published book, Iraq and Back, Inside the War to Win the Peace explores her journey through the sound and gender barriers of military aviation and the mission to rebuild Iraq. It is a gripping, firsthand account as seen from her unique point of view as a senior officer, pilot, wife, and mother.
Before Colonel Olson started her career in helping veterans and transforming education, she served twenty-five years in the Air Force and was part of the first generation of female military pilots. A command pilot, with nearly 4,000 hours of flying time, she was one of the first females to command an air refueling squadron. She served in the Pentagon on the Joint Staff, Office of the Secretary of Defense, and the Air Staff and was deployed to the combat zones of Iraq and Bosnia.
Recognized as a leader and trail blazer she was inducted into the Iowa Aviation Hall of Fame, received the Good Housekeeping Award for Women in Government, and the Federally Employed Women Distinguished Leadership Award.
A graduate from the Ohio State University with a bachelor’s degree in education, she earned three masters’ degrees, a fellowship at Seminar XXI Center for International Studies, MIT, and completed the Superintendents Academy with the Broad Center for the Management of School System.
After more than two decades of serving her nation, she makes her home in Weatherford, Texas. Today, she flies with her son in their Cessna 150 "Sunny," while her husband teaches their daughter to drive a tractor. The family farms at their "4-K River Ranch" on the Brazos River.
