Randy Nelson is a lifelong educator who began teaching high school speech, theater, and English in Granite Falls, Minnesota. His passion for educational leadership led him to earn a Master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from Mankato State University and later a superintendent’s license from the University of Minnesota. Throughout his career, he worked as a director of curriculum and instruction for school districts in southwest Minnesota and the Rochester Public Schools before serving as superintendent of schools in La Crosse from 2011 until his retirement in 2020.

Since retiring, Randy has continued to foster leadership through his company, Driftless Leadership LLC, which recruits, mentors, and coaches leaders across various sectors. Actively involved in professional and community organizations, Randy has been a board member for several La Crosse institutions and now serves on the La Crosse Community Theatre board. In his free time, he enjoys being with his family and grandchildren, follows baseball and hockey, and rarely passes up a chance to play golf.