Bio
Rev. Robby Olson (he/him) is a curious, creative, and entrepreneurial leader in many spheres of life. From pastor to brewer, from coach to chaplain, from reader to disc golfer, Robby enjoys learning, envisioning new directions, and leading people on new and faithful journeys. Robby, Jenni Veitch-Olson, and their dog Milo live in Watsonville, CA.
Born and raised in the East San Francisco Bay Area, Robby graduated from UC Berkeley and began his career in Youth and Music Ministries. Over the next fifteen years he would serve three churches in three states as he followed his wife to Wisconsin for her PhD studies, and she followed him to Washington State for his seminary studies. After completing his Master of Divinity (does anyone really think they’ve mastered the Divine?!), he received his first ordained call to The United Presbyterian Church of Watsonville (PCUSA).
A hallmark of Robby and Jenni’s life is engagement with the community beyond the four walls of the church. In Watsonville, Robby coached High School Boys basketball for ten seasons, served as the Police Chaplain, serves as a trustee at the Community Health Trust, is an active community member in city council meetings, offered many invocations at city events, was a speaker at the No Kings demonstration, and beyond. Jenni is the chair of the Santa Cruz County Democratic Central Committee, a city planning commissioner, and a roller derby jammer.
When United Presbyterian Church’s leadership decided it was time to consider closing—after decades of decline and a membership that was very good at being together, but lacked the drive to reach out and grow—Robby chose to stay with that congregation to shepherd them through the very difficult decisions and emotions that come with closing a church.
After the pandemic, still in Watsonville, Robby and Jenni opened Watsonville Public House, a nonprofit brewery and taproom with the mission of community building. Through much hard work and sweat, Robby has honed his skills as a professional brewer, watched a community develop and flourish in a safe, welcoming, and inclusive space, and discovered the amazing pastoral relationships folks will build with their beertender.
As his season at The Pub sunsets, Robby is excited to explore the next chapter God has for him, anticipating returning to church ministry and using the skill, experience, knowledge he has gained in churches, in the community, and in starting, building out, and running a business.