Thomas C. Nelson
Chief Operating Officer
Thomas C. Nelson is the Chief Operating Officer for AARP. In addition to overall leadership responsibilities, he supervises the strategic planning and corporate diversity offices and works directly with the executives responsible for membership, operations, research, education and outreach, advocacy, volunteers, and AARP's social mission.
Tom Nelson has been instrumental in building AARP's highly-regarded grass roots advocacy at the state level. He played a key role in creating the offices that now operate in every state capital, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. He was the architect of AARP's Executive Councils, the volunteer leadership that sets direction for AARP in the states.
Dr. Nelson joined AARP in 1980 as Manager of Consumer Affairs and in that capacity established AARP's consumer program. He then assumed the additional responsibility for AARP's health activities, and later became Director of the Program Department, responsible for all educational and community service programs. He also served as Director of the Field Services Division and as Associate Executive Director of State and National Initiatives.
His leadership contributions have encompassed not only expanding AARP's state capacity and strengthening its advocacy team, but also broadening volunteer efforts and community service initiatives, and advancing AARP's commitment to diversity through the development of strong relationships with many other organizations.
Before joining AARP, Dr. Nelson was at the University of Southern California Andrus Gerontology Center. He also served as a staff member of the Federal Trade Commission, working on the investigation and subsequent regulation of the funeral industry, as well as inquiries related to nursing homes and other consumer issues facing the elderly.
He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Southern California, an M.A. from Columbia, and a B.A. from Union College.
