Gale Nelson was born in Lincoln, Nebraska and grew up in Toledo, Ohio where he began his pursuit of personal and professional success. Gale earned his Bachelor of Business Administration in Corporate Finance from the University of Toledo (Toledo, OH) and his Master of Science in Management and Administration of Educational Programs from Nova Southeastern University (Davie, FL).

Some of Gale’s most recent accomplishments include Member, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Member, Orange Bowl Committee (2023), recipient of the Irvin F. Westheimer Visionary Leadership Award (2022). This national award is named after the man whose vision led to the founding of Big Brothers Big Sisters, Children’s Trust David Lawrence “Champions for Children” Award (2022), South Florida Business Journal Ultimate CEO Honoree (2021), South Florida Business Journal Power 250 List (2021), completed the Nonprofit Leadership program at Boston College (2018), and the Harvard Business School Strategic Perspectives in Non-Profit Management Course for CEO’s from around the world (2018).

Gale’s professional career includes over 30 years of non-profit management and leadership experience. Currently, he is the President & CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami and the Florida Keys, and since joining the team in July 2006, he has played a significant role in the growth and development of the agency’s mentoring and fund development programs. He led his team in being named the Agency of the Year Award (2021) and the National Pinnacle Award for four straight years (2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022).

Gale is a highly effective public speaker and the consummate strategist who provides solution-focused leadership. His faith and his family continue to keep him grounded in helping youth and families.

President & CEO
Brothers Big Sisters of Miami 550 NW 42nd Avenue
Miami, FL 33126
gnelson@bbbsmiami.org