James Olson
About James Olson
James Olson serves as the Executive Director of the Center for National Security Initiatives at the University of Colorado, a position he has held since 2019. He has extensive experience in business development and program management within the defense sector, including roles at Ball Aerospace, Raytheon, and the U.S. Navy.
Work at University of Colorado
James Olson has served as the Executive Director of the Center for National Security Initiatives at the University of Colorado since 2019. In this role, he focuses on advancing national security initiatives and fostering collaboration among various stakeholders. His position in Boulder, Colorado, allows him to leverage his extensive background in defense and aerospace to contribute to the university's mission in national security.
Previous Experience at Ball Aerospace
Before his current role, James Olson worked at Ball Aerospace as the Director of Business Development from 2006 to 2011. During his five years at the company, he was responsible for identifying and pursuing new business opportunities, contributing to the company's growth in the aerospace sector. His experience at Ball Aerospace laid the groundwork for his subsequent roles in business development and strategy.
Experience at Raytheon
James Olson held multiple positions at Raytheon, including Director of Strategy and Business Development for Intelligence and Earth Observations from 2013 to 2015, and Director of Programs for Space & Environmental Mission Systems from 2011 to 2013. His roles involved strategic planning and program management, where he managed programs with scopes ranging from $10 million to $1 billion. His tenure at Raytheon equipped him with significant expertise in defense contracting and program execution.
Military Background and Education
James Olson has a military background as a Captain in the U.S. Navy, where he served from 2003 to 2006 in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense. He also has experience as a Naval Flight Meteorologist and Navy Nuclear Submarine Officer. Olson studied Government Affairs Legislative Studies at Georgetown University, which complements his extensive experience in defense and national security.
Achievements in Business Development
James Olson has demonstrated a high level of success in business development, achieving a capture win rate of 70% for Department of Defense and NASA space programs. He has created strategic pipelines exceeding $1 billion in executable pursuits and has been trained in Department of Defense Proposal Writing. His certifications include Defense Acquisition Program Manager Science and Technology Level 3 and Program Management Level 3 from Raytheon.