Staff notes

FARMS Welcomes New Director of Development

This fall will mark FARMS's 20th anniversary&a time not only for celebrating the Foundation's past achievements but also for making plans for the future. Just as the generosity of donors has been critical to the Foundation's research efforts during the past two decades, it will continue to play a key role in determining how many worthwhile projects will be undertaken in coming years.

Although part of Brigham Young University, FARMS still must rely on membership fees, donations, and sales to support ongoing research. To facilitate this process, the university has assigned Orrin J. Olsen as director of development for FARMS. In this new capacity, Olsen will help interested donors explore a wide variety of options for financially supporting the Foundation.

Originally from Logan, Utah, Olsen was a star athlete in football, track, and wrestling, and he played two seasons of professional football. He graduated from BYU's Marriott School of Management in 1976 and later worked as a sales manager in private industry for seven years before joining the BYU development team in 1985.

Daniel Oswald, executive director of FARMS, sees Olsen's appointment as a sensible tactical move that indicates BYU's commitment to the work of FARMS and augurs well for future success. "We need to increase our efforts so that the many wonderful projects we have already planned will come to fruition through the generosity of donors," he said. "Orrin will assist us in developing a sound strategy that will enable us to reach our development goals."

In contemplating his new assignment, Olsen looks forward to playing a role in the future success of FARMS. "I am excited to be associated with FARMS," he said, "and I am anxious to assist donors who want to contribute to the success of scripture research."