Meet David
David S. Olsen is a committed community leader and Downers Grove native with a history of dedication to serving people. He is running for Mayor to continue that service by bringing our community together and advocating for the wonderful people who reside here.
David grew up in Downers Grove and attended local public schools – Hillcrest Elementary School, O’Neill Middle School, and Downers Grove South High School (DGS). After graduating from DGS, he earned bachelor’s degrees in finance and management at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. At the University of Illinois, he became Student Body President and was a Rhodes Scholarship finalist.
After receiving his degrees, David returned to his hometown and in 2013 was elected to the Downers Grove Village Council, receiving the most votes of any candidate in a competitive election. As a member of the Village Council, David was a tireless advocate for residents and taxpayers, most notably in opposing a plan to construct a costly, $52 million new Village Hall and municipal complex. David did so by leading support for a ballot referendum on the issue, letting the people vote to overwhelmingly reject the reckless spending plan that would have resulted in a large tax increase. Recognizing his resident-focused leadership, David was selected to be Mayor Pro Tem in 2015.
David was also called to serve on the College of DuPage Board of Trustees as Vice Chairman from February 2016 to April 2017, during a tumultuous time for the educational institution. His collaborative leadership engaged all college stakeholders, which allowed critical reform efforts to proceed, kept taxes and tuition flat, and refocused the College on its core mission of providing affordable, accessible education for the community.
In July 2016, David was named State Representative for Illinois’ 81st Representative District to fill an unexpired term and was subsequently elected to a full term in November 2016. His service in the state legislature focused on finding bipartisan solutions to make government more efficient, effective, and responsive to the people of Illinois. During his term, David was one of the most productive legislators in the House of Representatives, serving as chief sponsor of 15 bills that became law.
David also serves on the Board of Directors for the District 58 Education Foundation and is an active member of Chamber630, which primarily serves businesses in Downers Grove and surrounding communities. David belongs to Friendship United Methodist Church where he has served as co-leader of the eighth-grade confirmation class, committee chairman for affiliated Boy Scout Troop 35, and a member of the chancel choir and bell choir.
David’s professional background is as an ethics and compliance officer. He resides in the Hillcrest neighborhood. In his free time, he enjoys jogging, reading, and spending quality time with family and friends.