Dr. Douglas Nelson joined McPherson & Jacobson in 2019.
With 50 years of experience in public education, including 19 years as a superintendent and 12 years as a school board member, Dr. Nelson brings extensive executive leadership and search experience. He served as Superintendent of the Pullman School District, Washington, and Bend-La Pine Schools, Oregon. Earlier in his career, he served as an assistant superintendent, principal of a National Blue Ribbon School, assistant principal, teacher, and swim coach. In 1994, he received the Christa McAuliffe Award for Outstanding Superintendent in Washington.
Dr. Nelson is a past president of the Oregon School Boards Association and currently serves as Chair of the Columbia Gorge Educational Service District Board, having also served on the High Desert ESD Board. He has led or assisted with numerous superintendent and executive leadership searches across Oregon and California, including superintendent, assistant superintendent, principal, chief financial officer, and special education director positions.
Dr. Nelson earned his doctorate from Seattle University, a master’s degree from the University of Puget Sound, and a bachelor’s degree from Whitman College. He also holds superintendent credentials from Washington State University and the University of Oregon.