Timmy Nelson, native of Muskegon, Mich., is a member of the West Chester Food Cupboard’s Board of Directors and a retiree who worked in several capacities during a 44-year career with the United Parcel Service (UPS).

Nelson, who earned a bachelor’s degree in Human Resources from Geneva College, recalled his proudest professional achievement: “While working as a UPS Human Resources Director, my third re-location necessitated moving to New Jersey. I was informed this area was having continuous challenges attaining diverse representation with regard to females and minorities as management candidates. Also, there was a concern with excessive employee turnover for entry-level, hourly positions. A number of Human Resources Directors had been cycled through this operation, without successfully correcting these Department of Labor requirements.”

Four years later, on the heels of successfully meeting his goals in New Jersey, Nelson was transferred to Washington, D.C., and promoted to Vice President of State Government Affairs.

Nelson offered his perspective on what makes a leader effective: “In my opinion, the most effective leaders have the mind of a CEO and the heart of a social worker. I do not believe you can lead people unless you have knowledge, understanding, and a willingness of servitude. I do not believe a true leader can/will ask someone to perform a task they are not willing to do. I also believe that with each person you meet, there is a takeaway. It is up to you to determine what people take away from their encounter with you.”

Of the 12 Principles of the Scout Law — Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean, and Reverent — Nelson believes that “Reverent” has had the greatest impact on his life and career.

“To be reverent requires the embodiment of the remaining principles,” he said. “When the President of the UPS Government Relations Group promoted me to Senior Vice President, she cited a recommendation from my predecessor, who said, ‘Timmy has never ceased to be the adult in the room.’ Being reverent in my personal life and with my career interactions has helped guide me through challenging situations and enabled me to navigate life’s difficulties.”

The Chester County Council, Boy Scouts of America will honor Nelson and the 11 other VISTA Leadership Megastars at a hybrid awards ceremony on Sept. 14 at its new Program, Activity, and Resource Campus (PARC) in Exton. Sponsorship opportunities are still available. For more information, contact Sarah Ponzio at sarah.ponzio@scouting.org or 610-696-2900 x 121.