The Alhambra Historical Society is an entirely volunteer-run effort to keep Alhambra’s history and memories alive. Chris Olson became president of the organization in 2022 and played a pivotal role in revitalizing the organization at a time when its future was uncertain.
“We made a comeback after nearly being dissolved,” Olson said. “A really great group of community members came together and I helped focus the group.” As she prepares to step down from the presidency in June, Olson will remain an active board member, continuing to support the organization’s mission of preserving Alhambra’s rich history and heritage.
A Pasadena native with deep family roots in the San Gabriel Valley, Olson’s love for local history began long before she joined the Historical Society in 2018. After moving to Alhambra with her wife in 1989, she became captivated by the city’s architecture and legacy. Since she lived within walking distance, she decided to walk over and join a meeting of the Alhambra Preservation Group. That was in 2004.
Her natural inclination toward civic engagement came into full bloom when she ran for City Council in 2020. Though she didn’t win, the experience was transformative and set the stage for her role in leading the Historical Society. It also cemented her status as a trusted voice in the community, with an eye toward thoughtful, inclusive leadership.
Olson’s professional life mirrors her community-driven values. A longtime nonprofit grant writer, she currently works for the Cancer Support Community Greater San Gabriel Valley, an organization she was drawn to after the passing of her wife from cancer in 2015. There, she helps raise funds to provide support services to anyone impacted by cancer, from patients undergoing treatment to caregivers and family members to the bereaved. Last year, the organization served over 1,200 people with all kinds of support groups and services to ensure that nobody goes through cancer alone.
She also serves as president of the Alhambra Planning Commission, where she continues to advocate for smart, sustainable development that respects the city’s historic character. On Saturday mornings, you’ll find her coaching the walking group of a Pasadena-based running club. “My interest is in history, so on my walks I essentially lead a five-mile walking tour of historic buildings in Pasadena every Saturday morning,” she said.
As someone who has discovered her own family’s connections to the region — including a grandfather who appears in a Norman Rockwell painting at the San Gabriel Country Club — Olson believes in the power of personal history to connect people more deeply with their communities. Whether she’s guiding a nonprofit, preserving historical buildings, or mentoring others, her leadership is grounded in empathy, storytelling, and the belief that the past can help shape a more connected and compassionate future.
What makes a good leader? Being a good listener.
Her advice for young women: As president of the Historical Society, I would encourage anybody who’s interested in becoming a leader to learn more about their community’s history.
