Pete Nelson
Arlington
Summary
Communications leader with extensive experience in national and Gulf Coast environmental and energy policy. Proven track record in enhancing organizational visibility and effectively translating complex scientific content for diverse audiences. Collaborative team player adept in fast-paced settings and committed to strategic messaging and stakeholder engagement.
Overview
38
38
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Communications
Gulf Research Program, National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine
Washington
07.2021 - Current
- Lead all aspects of the Gulf Research Program’s communications
- Participated in bi-weekly executive office leadership meetings to contribute insights on communication strategies.
- Assisted executive director in crafting key messages and strategic vision to enhance organizational communication.
Principal
Nelson and Associates LCC
Arlington
05.2018 - 07.2021
- Developed messaging and managed media relations, social media, film production, and print materials to enhance communication strategies
- Collaborated with United Nations on projects
Director of Communications
Resources for the Future
Washington
01.2008 - 01.2018
- Directed comprehensive communications strategy for Resources for the Future (RFF)
- Simplified complex scientific material for understanding by policymakers, media, and public
- Oversaw complete overhaul of RFF website resulting in 20% increased average time on site
- Managed team of eight staff and two interns, fostering collaboration and development
- Served on RFF’s executive team as direct report to two RFF presidents
Director of Communications
National Commission on the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill and Offshore Drilling
Washington
01.2010 - 01.2011
- Coordinated and led all communications for the presidential oil spill commission
- Developed overall communication strategy, including outreach to stakeholders at federal, state, and local levels
- Acted as on-the-record spokesperson for the Commission
Special Assistant to the President for Strategy
Resources for the Future
Washington
01.2005 - 01.2007
- Advised RFF’s president Phil Sharp on strategic and competitive issues
- Oversaw RFF’s Strategic Review process and implementation of the strategy
- Executed analyses and co-wrote RFF’s 2005 strategic vision
Research Associate
Resources for the Future
Washington
01.1997 - 01.2005
- Researched environmental and transportation policy issues
- Published in peer-reviewed academic and general interest publications
- Op-ed published in the Baltimore Sun
Freelance Writer and Researcher
Washington
01.1992 - 01.1997
- Wrote a training manual for environmental journalists in developing countries that was translated into several languages and used widely by the Center for International Journalists
Editor-in-Chief
Greenwire
Falls Church
01.1991 - 01.1992
- Developed concept of Greenwire, a daily environmental news briefing
- Chose name, logo, and hired staff
- Chose stories, wrote articles, and copy edited
- Built up network of national and international contributors
Managing Editor
The Hotline
Falls Church
01.1988 - 01.1990
- Wrote daily news summaries of the 1988 presidential campaign
- Interviewed newsmakers
- Led The Hotline’s coverage of the George H.W. Bush transition
Education
Master of Public Policy - international security and economic policy
University of Maryland
College Park, MDBachelor of Arts - Political Science (honors)
McGill University
Montreal, PQ, CanadaSkills
- Communications strategy and messaging
- Translating scientific research for policy and public audiences
- Speechwriting, op-eds, and editorial content
- Team leadership, mentoring, and budget management
- Digital media: websites, podcasts, film, interactives
- Media relations and stakeholder engagement
- Outcome-based measurement and analytics
- Partnership development and project management
Publications
- Telecommuting and Emissions Reductions: Evaluating Results from the ecommute Program, Peter Nelson, Elena Safirova, and Margaret Walls, Transportation Research D, 2007, 12, 3, 195-207
- Transit in Washington DC: Current Benefits and Optimal Level of Provision, Peter Nelson, A Baglino, E. Safirova, W. Harrington, and A. Lipman, Journal of Urban Economics, 2007, 62, 2, 31-251
- Is Northern Virginia Voting on the Right Transportation Tax?, Peter Nelson, Ian Parry, and Martin Wachs, State Tax Notes, 2002, 26, 4, 271-275
- On the Accuracy of Regulatory Cost Estimates, Winston Harrington, Richard D. Morgenstern, and Peter Nelson, Journal of Policy Analysis and Management, 2000, Spring, 19, 2, 297-322
- Ten Practical Tips for Environmental Reporting, Peter Nelson, Center for Foreign Journalists and World Wide Fund for Nature, 1995
Awards And Affiliations
- Board of Directors, Environment for Development International, Wilson, WY
- 2000, Vernon Prize Best article, Journal of Policy Analysis and Management
- 1996-97, Sexton Fellow, University of Maryland, College Park, MD
Timeline
Director of Communications
Gulf Research Program, National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine
07.2021 - Current
Principal
Nelson and Associates LCC
05.2018 - 07.2021
Director of Communications
National Commission on the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill and Offshore Drilling
01.2010 - 01.2011
Director of Communications
Resources for the Future
01.2008 - 01.2018
Special Assistant to the President for Strategy
Resources for the Future
01.2005 - 01.2007
Research Associate
Resources for the Future
01.1997 - 01.2005
Freelance Writer and Researcher
01.1992 - 01.1997
Editor-in-Chief
Greenwire
01.1991 - 01.1992
Managing Editor
The Hotline
01.1988 - 01.1990
Master of Public Policy - international security and economic policy
University of Maryland
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science (honors)
McGill University