Kristin Olsen was elected to the City Kristin Olsen was elected to the City Council in December 2005. She is a mother of three young children and has a background in public policy, communications, and public relations. A lifelong resident of Modesto, Olsen was born at Memorial Hospital and graduated from Modesto High School in 1992.

After graduating magna cum laude from Westmont College in 1996, Olsen moved to Sacramento where she worked as the press secretary and legislative aide for a senior member of the State Legislature. Olsen left the Legislature in 1999 to become the Communications Director for the California Restaurant Association (CRA). In late 2001, she and her husband Rod moved back to her hometown of Modesto where she continued to work for CRA from home until 2004.

Today, in addition to her position as a Councilmember, Olsen is the Assistant Vice President for Communications & Public Affairs at California State University, Stanislaus, where she directs media relations, government and community relations, graphic design, web design, publications, and photography.

Prior to her election, Olsen served on the City’s Planning Commission and on the Citizens Housing and Community Development Committee. As a Councilmember, she serves on the Finance and Safety & Communities Committees. She also serves on the City-County Liaison Committee and is a steering committee member of the Paradise South: Gateway to Change Weed & Seed project.

In her free time, Olsen enjoys gardening, singing, and playing the piano, among other activities.