Matthew "Matt" Olson
Board of Finance
Personal Statement
The concept of service and making the world better for others was instilled in me during my Navy career. I am running for the Board of Finance because I care deeply about Old Lyme and preserving its financial health for future generations. It’s critical to balance the need for essential services with the responsibility of keeping taxes fair and sustainable. Every dollar the town spends comes from our hardworking residents, and I will treat those funds with care and respect. Since 2019, I have worked cooperatively and effectively with all members of the Board of Finance to proactively address the challenges that our town faces. My goal is to support budgets that reflect our town's values and provide long-term stability.
Work Experience:
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Matt has a management background and has worked in the financial services industry since 2012. He is currently a senior director at Travelers Insurance in Hartford.
Board of Finance Experience:
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Matt served as an Alternate on the Old Lyme BOF from 2019–2023. Since 2023, he has been a regular member of the BOF.
Personal
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Matt and his wife, Cindy, have three children, all of whom graduated from the Region 18 schools. They have lived in Old Lyme since 2009.
Military Service
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Matt is a retired U.S. Navy Commander with over 20 years of service
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He served as a Naval Aviator (F/A-18 pilot)
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Military awards include the Meritorious Service Medal (X2), Air Medal (Strike/Flight), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (X3), Joint Service Achievement Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal
Education:
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Executive MBA (With Distinction), Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, CA
○ Louis D. Liskin Award of Excellence in Business and Public Policy -
BA (With Distinction), Northwestern University, Evanston, IL
○ Phi Beta Kappa, Departmental Honors -
Joint Professional Military Education I, Air Command and Staff College, Montgomery, AL