Type Of Business:
Government agency; Consulting services
Expertise:
Housing and community services for low-income households, seniors and disabled persons; Adult education; Catholic religious education
Major Product/SVS:
Affordable housing and community services; Catholic adult religious education; Rental consulting
Favorite Business Publication:
AARP Bulletin; National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials Magazine; Apartment Association of Orange County Magazine; Abilities Buzz
Hobbies/Sports:
Volunteering; Adult tutoring; Attending special interest classes and workshops; Playing "Lumosity" brain exercise games; Walking
Education Degrees:
Master of Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY (1973); Bachelor of Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln (1969)
Affiliations Awards:
Professed Member, Secular Franciscan Order; Lifetime Member, National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials; Apartment Association of Orange County; AARP
Place of Birth:
Lincoln, NE
Work History:
Sole Proprietor, Nelson Rental Consultant; Administrative Manager, Research Analyst, Department of Housing and Community Development, Orange County, CA (28 Years)
Career Achievements:
All County positions required performing analytical and administrative duties by either applying for grant funds or ensuring compliance with all governmental regulations when funding was received.
Administered contracts for over $40 million annually with over 3,500 property owners on behalf of Section 8 tenants.
Throughout the duration of your career, what was the one highlight that stood out the most?:
The highlight throughout her career was being in a position to make a difference in other people's lives.
Charity:
Secular Franciscan Order; United Way; Various Catholic Charities
Number Of Years In Profession:
34
What Does He/She Attribute Success To:
Understanding and applying government rules and regulations to assist disadvantaged households. Also, daily following in the footsteps of St. Francis, living from "gospel to life and life to the gospel."
Why did you become involved in your profession or industry?:
She became involved in her profession because she loved advocating for the disadvantaged.
Extended Bio Profile:
After retirement, Ms. Nelson established a sole proprietorship "DBA Nelson Rental Consultant." She is particularly interested in creating affordable housing opportunities for the disabled, through utilization of "reasonable accommodation" and "reasonable modification" provisions of the Section 8 Rental Housing Program.
Position Responsibilities and Duties:
Affordable housing and community development programs research and management; Rental assistance consulting; Adult Catholic religious education volunteering.
Education Certifications:
Current: Advanced Level Master Catechist, Diocese of Orange County, CA; Former: Certified Adult Tutor, READ/Orange County, CA
Awards/Honors:
Retirement Commendation, County of Orange, CA Board of Supervisors
Where Will You Be In 5 Years:
In five years, Ms. Nelson hopes to expand her consulting by reaching out to the growing elderly and disabled populations and explore ways to link housing and local community services for the disadvantaged.