Van Nelson

Van Nelson currently serves as the Lead Detention Officer at Ellis County Sheriff's Office, a position held since May 2023. In addition, Nelson has been the Community Development Director for G.P.A (Grateful Purpose Athletics) Non-Profit since June 2016. Prior experience includes roles as Senior Advisor for Victory Volunteers and Area Coordinator at Navarro College from February 2013 to August 2022. Nelson played as a Lineman for the Dallas Desperados Arena Football Team and as an Offensive Lineman for the Philadelphia Soul Arena Football Team in 2008, notably becoming one of 30 players featured in ESPN's web series "Last Man Standing." Earlier career highlights include serving as Program Director at Boys and Girls Clubs of America from 2005 to 2008 and working as a Recreational Worker at South Texas Youth Development from 2002 to 2005. Education is currently being pursued at Texas A&M University-Kingsville.