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Del. Olszewski makes Daily Record’s list of up-and-comers

Named one of state’s Top 20 in their 20s

by Nicole Rodman

    Sixth District State Delegate John Olszewski Jr. can add one more honor to his resume.
    The second-term legislator has just been named one of The Daily Record’s “Top 20 in their 20s.”
    Each year, the statewide legal and business newspaper presents a list of the top young up-and-comers from across Maryland.
    According to The Daily Record, “honorees are chosen on the basis of professional accomplishment, civic involvement and impact of achievement.” 
    As the paper’s website notes, “the program celebrates the best and brightest under 30 who may have not earned their first million but whose creativity and spirit are already contributing to a new energy in Maryland.”
    For Del. Olszewski, the recognition is gratufying.

    “I am sincerely honored to be named one of the Top 20 in their 20’s,” Olszewski wrote in an e-mail on Monday, adding, “Considering the accomplishments of the other honorees in fields such as health care, education, and the law, it is humbling to have my efforts recognized in this way.”
    Del. Olszewski was nominated for the award by 11th District Delegate Jon Cardin. 
    “I nominated him because I think he’s an outstanding young man and an excellent legislator,” Cardin explained in a phone interview on Monday.
    Calling him ”didactic, yet pragmatic.” Cardin  also emphasized Olszewswki’s efforts to form bipartisan coalitions.
    “He crosses party lines all the time, which I think is valuable,” Cardin said.
    A 2000 graduate of Sparrows Point High School, Olszewski is, of course, the  eldest son of 7th District Baltimore County Councilman John Olszewski Sr. 
    After attending Goucher College in Baltimore and George Washington University in Washington, D.C., Olszewski began his career as a social studies teacher at Patapsco High School and Center for the Arts before being tapped for elected office.
    In May 2006, he was chosen by the Democratic State Central Committee to replace the late Del. John Arnick. 
    Now in his second full term, at the end of last year Olszewski was elected chairman of the Baltimore County House Delegation. He is the youngest person to ever hold the position.
    Today, Olszewski balances his legislative duties with his education. 
    Last year, he enrolled in a Ph.D. program in Public Policy at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. 
    In addition to his studies, Olszewski also works as a graduate research assistant at the university.
    Residing in St. Helena, Olszewski and his wife, Marisa, make time to contribute to a variety of local causes.
    In addition to serving as block captains for the St. Helena Neighborhood Association, the Olszewskis belong to a number of local organizations, including the Dundalk Renaissance Corporation and the Back River Restoration Committee.
    For Olszewski, being named as one of The Daily Record’s Top 20 in their 20s is a validation of his work on behalf of his constituents. 
    “I am blessed to be able to wake up everyday to go to work for our communities, Baltimore County, and this state,” Olszewski explained, noting, “I hope that this award is a reflection of my dedication to the trust that’s been bestowed upon me as an elected official.”
    While the delegate is excited to receive the honor, he may not be able to accept the award in person at Top 20 in their 20s award ceremony on June 27.
    According to Olszewski, he had already accepted an invitation to speak at a National Conference of State Legistlators conference in Denver, Colo., on the same date.
    “ I am hopeful that I can coordinate my schedule so as to be able to attend both,” he noted.
    More information on The Daily Record’s Top 20 in their 20s award, visit http://thedailyrecord.com/20-in-their-twenties.