Gayle Olson

 

Gayle was raised on a Northeast Iowa farm. She and her husband farm in Southeast Iowa where they grow grain and livestock, including some organic, on their century farm. She received both her B.A. in sociology and MS degree in Family and Consumer Sciences Education from Iowa State University. She is also a Certified Health Education Specialist. The topic for her master’s thesis was the safety of children on the farm.

A strong believer in local engagement, Gayle has worked for Iowa State University Extension in both youth development and community development. She also served as coordinator for the University of Iowa’s Center for Agricultural Disease and Injury Research, Education and Prevention (now Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health).

A former I-CASH advisory committee member, Gayle returned to the University of Iowa to coordinate the annual Midwest Rural Agricultural Safety and Health Conference in 2012. Her other duties with I-CASH include working with the Emerging Issues Working Group and the Corresponding Advisory Board.