Senator Rich Olive was elected to the Iowa Senate in 2006.  He represents Senate District 5, which includes Hamilton County, Wright County, most of Story County, and southeast Webster County.

Senator Olive is vice-chair of the Economic Growth Committee and serves on the Agriculture, Commerce, and Local Government committees.  He is also a member of the Economic Development Budget Subcommittee.

In addition to his committee work, Senator Olive serves on the Iowa Learning Technology Commission and the Iowa Comprehensive Health Insurance Association Board.

During his first two years in the Iowa Legislature, Senator Olive has successfully worked on health care, economic growth, and job training initiatives, while maintaining an emphasis on sound budgeting practices that have improved the state’s financial standing.

Senator Olive’s efforts have paved the way to provide health insurance discounts for business-supported wellness programs; expand quality health care for Iowa's kids; increase funding and incentives to revitalize Iowa communities; grow our renewable and alternative energy industries; improve education at every level, from preschool through college and job-training programs; and repay money borrowed from trust funds and put a record number of dollars in the state’s cash reserves. 

Rich Olive was raised in Story City and is a graduate of Story City High School.  Following graduation, he joined the Army National Guard and worked as an assistant manager for a furniture factory in Roland.

Rich is currently the owner and president of Norsemen Realty in Story City.  He began working at Egenes Insurance in 1979 and purchased the agency in 1982.  He renamed the agency Norsemen Insurance Services in 1993.  In 2000, the agency was expanded to include real estate, and in 2007, after 28 years in the insurance business, Rich sold the insurance portion of his business.

Rich is an active member of the community.  He serves as a board member for the Bethany Life Community Foundation, the Mary Greeley Medical Center Foundation, the Ackley State Bank of Story City Advisory Board, and the Riverbend Golf Course Board.  Rich is past-president and member of the Story City Lions Club, recipient of the Story City Lions Club Lifetime of Service Award, and two-time recipient of the Governor’s Volunteer Award.

Rich was a founding member of Judge Story’s Theatrical Troupe.  He is a member of American Legion Post #59, Roland-Story Athletic Boosters, and Roland-Story Fine Arts Boosters.  Rich announces Roland-Story football games and also emcees the annual Scandinavian Days Parade.  He is an active member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church Choir.

In addition to his community involvement, Rich is a member of the Independent Insurance Agents of Iowa and a member of the Society of Insurance Counselors.  He also serves as President of the Story City Development Corporation, which has been active in efforts to recruit and retain businesses in the Story City area for several years.

Rich and his wife, Marian, live in Story City.  They have three daughters and eight grandchildren.