Former UPS Chairman and CEO to Chair CDC Foundation Board

Kent C. “Oz” Nelson, former chairman and CEO of United Parcel Service, has been elected to chair the board of directors of the CDC Foundation. Nelson has been a member of the board since 1997 and has served as treasurer of the Foundation.

Nelson remains a member of the UPS board of directors and serves in leadership capacities for numerous other nonprofit organizations, including national director of the United Way of America and chairman of The Annie E. Casey Foundation, the world’s largest foundation dedicated to helping disadvantaged children. He also serves on the board of directors of The Carter Center and heads a $90 million fundraising campaign for his alma mater, Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana.

“We are fortunate to have such an exceptional leader as chair of our board of directors,” says C. Charles Stokes, president and CEO of the CDC Foundation. “Mr. Nelson, will bring extraordinary vision and business experience to his role as chair and will take the CDC Foundation to the next level in its work to significantly enhance the impact of CDC.”

Nelson began his UPS career two days after graduating from Ball State in 1959. He joined the company as a customer service representative, rising through nearly every division to eventually become chairman and CEO of the global transportation giant - serving in that capacity from 1989 to 1996.

He got involved with the CDC Foundation four years ago because of his strong personal interest in making the world a healthier place for future generations.

“I’ve seen how the committed men and women of CDC are making a real difference in the world,” he says. “CDC scientists have so many brilliant ideas that could benefit humanity if only they had enough resources and flexibility to achieve their dreams. That is why the work of the CDC Foundation is so vital.”

Nelson succeeds Bernard Marcus, co-founder and chairman of The Home Depot, as CDC Foundation board chair.

“Bernie Marcus’ extraordinary contributions leave a lasting legacy that will benefit CDC Foundation programs for years to come,” says Stokes. “There are very few individuals who could follow in Mr. Marcus’ footsteps. Oz Nelson is one of them.”