[Published: May 16, 2022]

Jeff Olschwang - Director of Communications - Stanford University

Jeff Olschwang brings more than two decades of experience in communications and operations management specializing in Transportation Demand Management. Most recently, he served as an Assistant Director for UCLA Events and Transportation.  While at UCLA, Jeff enhanced the public transit programs more than doubling participation. In addition, he spearheaded many innovative sustainable transportation programs including Earn-A-Bike, Bruin Bike Share, Bruin Commuter Transit Benefit, a trip planning and carpool app, and an enhanced Bruin Commuter Club. 

Along with his professional accomplishments, Jeff is a good fit for Stanford’s bike-friendly community. At UCLA, he commuted to work via bicycle 41 miles roundtrip. Most mornings he awoke at 4:30 a.m. and rode his “vintage” Trek bicycle from Redondo Beach to campus. The ride took anywhere between 75-90 minutes. Luckily, his route took him along Marvin Braude Bike Trail, a paved bicycle path that parallels L.A. County coastline allowing Jeff to enjoy ocean views for 10 miles of his journey. Some mornings, however, the fog was so thick, he had no idea whether he was even still riding on the bike path. Talk about an extreme commute. 

Jeff couldn’t be happier to trade his Bruin status to become a Cardinal. “It’s great to be a part of the award-winning Stanford Transportation team. I look forward to finding new and exciting ways to promote our services,” he said.

Stanford Welcome Bike Tour
Jeff was welcomed with a bike tour featuring many popular sites along with less-traveled ‘secret’ nooks and crannies around the Stanford campus. The tour was led by Ariadne Scott, Stanford’s Assistant Director of Active Mobility. The Stanford Transportation riders included (from left) Justin Narayan, Kasey Inglis, Kim Ratcliff and Jeff.

Jeff doesn’t just get around on a bike. He’s also an avid runner who participated in the LA Marathon in November 2021 (his first) and April 2022. He’s currently training for a hundred-mile Century Bike ride in Ventura and a Morro Bay triathlon later this year.

Shortly before arriving at Stanford, Jeff and his family vacationed in Peru where they ziplined over the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

Jeff in Peru
The Olschwang family (Jeff, wife Alana, Remy, 18, and Gavi, 15) climbed 300 meters –almost 1,000 feet – along the Via Ferrata mountain route high above the Sacred Valley in Peru. Believe it or not, heights once terrified Jeff! At right, he is high above the Urubamba River in Peru with his trusted guide.
Here’s hoping more adventures await you here on The Farm, Jeff.