Hiring for Good with Andy Nelson: Lessons in Purposeful Leadership
On the latest episode of Hiring For Good, Suzanne and I had the privilege of sitting down with Andy Nelson—a leader whose career is defined by both impressive accomplishments and a deep commitment to building thriving communities. Andy’s story is one of vision, perseverance, and a genuine dedication to creating opportunities for others.
Throughout his career, Andy has navigated leadership roles that bridge business, education, and civic life, always with a focus on strengthening the organizations and people around him. We were struck by his rare ability to combine strategic thinking with hands-on execution, making him not only a trusted partner but also a mentor to those fortunate enough to learn from him. Time and again, Andy has demonstrated what it means to lead with integrity and clarity while never losing sight of the human side of leadership.
In our conversation, Andy shared insights drawn from both his successes and challenges. We talked about how he approaches decision-making in complex environments, what it takes to build organizational cultures that last, and the importance of aligning personal values with professional endeavors. He offered practical wisdom on resilience, navigating uncertainty, and how to sustain both energy and purpose when the work gets tough.
What resonated most with us was Andy’s humility. Despite his wide-ranging accomplishments, he approaches leadership with curiosity and a learner’s mindset. He understands that leadership isn’t about titles or authority—it’s about responsibility, stewardship, and the impact we leave behind. That perspective came through in every story he told, and it made the conversation feel especially authentic and inspiring.
We believe listeners of Hiring For Good will walk away from this episode with not only actionable ideas but also a renewed sense of possibility. Andy reminds us that leadership done well can ripple outward, transforming teams, organizations, and communities. His example challenges us all to think bigger about the difference we can make when we commit to leading with purpose.
We couldn’t be more excited to share this episode. Whether you’re a seasoned executive, an emerging leader, or simply someone curious about how values-driven leadership can shape our world, Andy Nelson’s story will resonate deeply.
Tune in, and join us in learning from a leader who embodies the very heart of what it means to hire—and lead—for good.
Andy’s Bio
Andy Nelson – Professional Bio
Andy Nelson is an accomplished nonprofit executive with more than two decades of leadership experience advancing mission-driven organizations across the Portland region. He currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of Ride Connection, Inc., where he is building a transportation system that provides over one million rides annually, ensuring the most vulnerable neighbors across the metro area can access work, health care, shopping, and community connections.
Previously, Andy spent nearly nine years as Executive Director of Impact NW, where he refocused the 50-year-old organization on preventing homelessness. Under his leadership, Impact NW built a powerful portfolio of programs that stabilized and strengthened more than 25,000 people annually, grew its budget by 50%, and increased diversity across staff, clients, and board representation to more than 50%.
From 2012 to 2016, Andy served as CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters Columbia Northwest, where he championed the “Finish Strong” initiative, committing to 100% high school completion for all children. During his tenure, the organization rebranded around the “It’s Big Time” campaign and was named Oregon’s Most Admired Nonprofit by the Portland Business Journal.
Earlier in his career, Andy led Hands On Greater Portland as Executive Director, overseeing a merger and scaling the volunteer base from 4,000 to 25,000 participants annually, generating $2.5 million in community value through partnerships with 400 nonprofits.
Throughout his career, Andy has been recognized for his ability to turn vision into action, guiding organizations through transformation, growth, and community impact. His leadership is marked by integrity, inclusivity, and a deep commitment to strengthening both people and the systems that serve them.