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Adams County is pleased to announce the appointment of John Nelsen as the new Director of People & Culture Services (P&C). John, who has been serving as the deputy director of P&C since August 2023 and recently as the interim director, brings a wealth of expertise and a forward-thinking vision to his new role.
With over 19 years of experience in human resources, John has a distinguished track record of transforming organizational culture and enhancing employee experiences. His journey with Adams County began less than a year ago, and during his time as interim director, he played a pivotal role in cultivating a more people-centered culture that emphasizes the employee experience.
Before joining Adams County, John held significant leadership positions at various organizations, including the City of Greeley, CO, where he served as Human Resources Deputy Director, and the City of Denton, TX, where he held multiple roles such as Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer, Talent Acquisition & Development Manager, and HR Business Partner. His efforts were crucial in shifting the department toward a customer service-oriented, inclusive, and equitable culture.
John’s expertise spans culture building, leadership development, diversity and inclusion, employee relations, and talent development. He is committed to leading Adams County’s P&C Department through a cultural transformation that prioritizes a people-focused approach and enhances the overall employee experience.
“John’s deep expertise and commitment to a people-centered approach make him the perfect fit for leading our P&C Department, said County Manager Noel Bernal. “His proven track record and dedication to fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment will be instrumental in driving the cultural transformation we aim to achieve. We look forward to his leadership in continuing to build a strong, dynamic, and thriving workforce here at Adams County.”
In his new role, John is eager to drive initiatives that will foster growth, inclusivity, and excellence within the organization. “This opportunity allows me to continue my passion for fostering a people-centered culture and driving meaningful change. Jane Goodall once said, ‘What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of a difference you want to make.’ I have always tried to make positive differences in the lives of others and am confident that together, we will create an environment where every individual can thrive and contribute to our collective success in serving our community.”
John holds a Master of Public Administration in Human Resources from the University of North Texas and a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and Psychology from Brigham Young University. He is certified as a Professional in Human Resources (PHR), a Society for Human Resource Management Certified Professional (SHRM-CP), and a Certified Diversity Professional (CDP).