At the age of 49, Alan resigned from a leadership role at a respected publisher, to focus the remainder of his life on leadership development.  His primary emphasis is on training effective, ethical, future leaders, launching America's only training program designed for 10-13 year olds called KidLead (www.kidlead.com).  Alan continues to work with leaders and individuals in the social sector regarding change and personal development. 

Education/Certification:
    * BA biblical literature, Olivet Nazarene University
    * MA communication-psychology, California State University Sacramento 
    * EdD leadership, University of San Diego
    * Certified trainer by the American Society of Training & Development
    * Assessment certification by the Center for Creative Leadership

Work:
    * Successfully planted two congregations (CA/AZ)
    * Author of 13 books and over 300 articles
    * Adjunct professor at seminaries and universities
    * Keynote and workshop speaker
    * Former executive editor of Rev! magazine
    * Founder of KidLead (www.kidlead.com) 
 
Written Communication: (see Writings page)

Verbal Communication: (see Speaking/ Training page)

Personal Info:
    
Alan has been married to Nancy Nelson for more than 27 years.  Nancy is the Pastor of Women at First Presbyterian Church in Salinas, CA (www.fpcsalinas.org).  She is a popular speaker, magazine columnist, and loves her family.

The Nelsons have three sons, all tennis nuts: Jeff, a senior at Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego; Josh, a freshmen at PLNU, and Jesse, a freshman in high school.

Alan loves writing, training, dates with Nancy, and exploring the California coast.  They live near Monterey, California.