Former CIA Counterintelligence Chief to Deliver Hutchinson Community College Lecture

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Get ready for an extraordinary glimpse into the shadowy world of international espionage! James Olson, the former chief of counterintelligence for the Central Intelligence Agency, will captivate audiences with the third Dillon Lecture of the 2025 series Tuesday, September 16, at 10:30 a.m. at the Hutchinson Sports Arena.

Olson's anticipated presentation will draw from more than 30 years of experience in the CIA's Directorate of Operations, where he conducted clandestine operations around the world. His career reached its pinnacle when he assumed the critical role of chief of counterintelligence at CIA headquarters in Langley, Virginia.

The seasoned intelligence officer's incredible service has earned him some of the intelligence community's highest honors, including the prestigious Intelligence Medal of Merit, the Distinguished Career Intelligence Medal and the coveted Donovan Award, plus multiple Distinguished Service Citations. His expertise extends beyond the field—he's also a celebrated educator, winning top teaching awards from the Bush School and the Association of Former Students at Texas A&M University.

Audiences can dive deeper into Olson's fascinating world through his compelling books: "Fair Play: The Moral Dilemmas of Spying" and "To Catch a Spy: The Art of Counterintelligence." Before his legendary CIA career, he served in the U.S. Navy, rising to lieutenant commander.

The lecture is part of Hutchinson Community College's ongoing speaker series. Don't miss this rare opportunity to hear firsthand accounts from America's intelligence frontlines! General admission tickets are just $10, and students get in absolutely free.

Tickets are available at www.hutchcc.edu/dls or at the door beginning at 9:45 a.m. on the day of the event. For more information, contact the college at 620-665-3505.