Rick Nelsen, Senior Economic Development Consultant for Nebraska Public Power District was named Professional of the Year at the Nebraska Chamber Association (NCA) Annual Conference earlier this month.
Pictured left to right: Rick Nelsen, Nebraska Public Power District Senior Economic Development Consultant and Amber Holle, Nebraska Chambers Association President
With over 30 years of experience, Nelsen has dedicated his career to advancing economic development across Nebraska. He began his career with the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce serving as Vice President of Research for seven years. He then joined the Nebraska Department of Economic Development, where he spent seven years as a consultant and later as Deputy Director of Business Recruitment Division. For the past 29 years, Nelsen has served as Senior Economic Development Consultant with Nebraska Public Power District.
Throughout his career, Nelsen has been an active leader in several state and national organizations, including:
- National Rural Economic Developers Association (NREDA)- President (2010 & 2019); Board Member — 2002-2011, 2014-2020
- Nebraska Economic Developers Association (NEDA) – President (2005-06); Board Member, (2002-06); Secretary in mid-90’s
- International Economic Development Council (IEDC) – Certified Economic Developer since 1993
- Nebraska Chamber of Commerce Executives Association – Board Member since 2023; Scholarship chair 2023 to current
- Nebraska Development Network, Central Regional Group
- GROW Nebraska Foundation Board – Secretary
“I am humbled by this recognition from my peers in NCA,” said Nelsen, “especially since I started my career in the Chamber world. I appreciate NPPD for recognizing the importance of local chambers of commerce and allowing me to give back to the profession and help create stronger communities.”
Congratulations to Rick on this well-deserved recognition!