Charles Olson

Trustee, John S. and James L. Knight Foundation

Charles Olson is a trustee of the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation. As the grandson of James L. Knight, Olson brings family legacy, business acumen and community building experience to the role. He is a businessman and currently manages the 1842 Inn, in his hometown of Macon, Georgia.

Journalism has always been a part of Olson’s life. In addition to his grandfather’s career as head of Knight Ridder newspapers, his father, Edmund Olson, served as the publisher of the Macon Telegraph. Charles earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Telecommunications from the University of Florida’s College of Journalism and subsequently worked as a sports-talk radio host in Middle Georgia.

A football referee in the Gulf South Conference (NCAA Division II), Olson is also a supplemental official in the Southern Conference (NCAA Division I). He also serves on the board of the Middle Georgia State University Foundation, and on its Athletics sub-committee. Olson recently sold his interest in the Macon Mayhem Hockey Team (SPHL) after three years of ownership.