Dan Olson is one of the founding members of Riverside Lyric Opera and has proudly served on the Board of Directors since the company’s inception. In addition to his leadership role, Dan has also shared his musical talents on stage, most often as a member of the chorus.
Dan’s educational journey reflects both his love of music and his dedication to service. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music Theory and Composition from Seattle Pacific University, a Bachelor of Music in History and Literature from Pacific Lutheran University, and a Juris Doctor from Pepperdine University School of Law. Since 1980, he has practiced law in Riverside, focusing on real estate and construction, corporate law, general business and civil litigation, family law, and probate. His legal service has extended into the courtroom as a Judge Pro Tem, as well as an Arbitrator and Mediator with the Riverside County Bar Association, Superior Court, and the California Court of Appeals.
Music and the arts have always been central to Dan’s life. For 20 years he performed with the Pacific Chorale and also served on the Board of Directors of the Performing Arts Association of Orange County. His passion for community service extends far beyond music. He has held leadership roles in the Riverside Optimist Club, served on the City of Riverside Airport Commission, and contributed his expertise as an Alternate Commissioner for the Riverside County Airport Land Use Commission.
A veteran of the U.S. Navy, Dan served as a Communications Officer on an aircraft carrier during the Vietnam era. He has also been active with the Civil Air Patrol, where he has served as Squadron Commander, Deputy Group Commander, and Deputy Director of Legal Affairs (JAG) for both the California Wing and the Pacific Region.
Today, Dan continues his commitment to service as a board member of several nonprofit organizations, including the Drug Alternative Program, Hyveth Williams Ministries, and Precious Hearts Academy, a school for autistic and developmentally disabled children.
Dan is deeply proud of his family — he is married, with four children and ten grandchildren — and brings that same spirit of dedication and care to his work with Riverside Lyric Opera. His life’s work reflects his belief in the power of service, the arts, and community to enrich lives and inspire generations.