The Board of Directors of the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) has elected Craig R. Olson, vice president, aviation, Starbucks Coffee Company, to the association’s board.
“We are pleased to welcome Craig to the NBAA Board of Directors. He brings to the board a wealth of real-world aviation expertise and a deep understanding of how business aviation drives efficiency and connectivity for global organizations,” said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. “We look forward to the perspective and leadership Craig will bring as we work together to advance the interests of our members and the broader business aviation community.”
Olson began his aviation career working for Kenmore Air, flying floatplanes throughout the Pacific Northwest and Canada, before joining the U.S. Navy in 1994. He served 20 years as a Navy fighter pilot, accumulating nearly 4,000 hours in the F/A-18 Hornet and Super Hornet as a distinguished combat pilot, flight leader and instructor pilot.
He was assigned to various carrier and shore-based squadrons throughout his Navy career, including two tours with the Navy’s Flight Demonstration Squadron – The Blue Angels.
After retiring as Navy commander in 2014, Olson transitioned to business aviation, assuming the role of safety officer for a high-net-worth operator in Seattle flying two Bombardier Global aircraft and a Cessna Caravan Amphibian
In January 2017, he joined the Starbucks Coffee Company as the chief pilot, followed shortly thereafter by his appointment to vice president of aviation, executing worldwide flight operations in support of Starbucks’ executive air travel and transportation needs.
Olson holds a bachelor’s degree in aviation management, a master’s degree in organizational leadership and is a NBAA Certified Aviation Manager (CAM).
Learn more about the NBAA Board of Directors.
