MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (Nov. 5, 2013) – Scott E. Nelson, executive vice president of consulting services and partner of MDA Leadership Consulting, has been named CEO of the Minneapolis-based leadership effectiveness firm, effective Dec. 1, 2013.
Nelson succeeds current MDA CEO and co-founder Sandra Davis, who will continue as leader of MDA’s CEO & Board Services practice, retain her current clients and chair the firm’s advisory board. MDA was founded in 1981 and is regarded as one of the nation’s premier leadership development and assessment firms, with clients in various industries ranging from Fortune 100 companies to mid-sized companies and non-profit organizations.
“As a business leader and talent strategist, Scott keenly understands the business challenges faced by MDA’s clients and our own firm. Our clients, consultants and partners have a high degree of confidence in Scott’s abilities to guide MDA well into the future and deliver high-value work,” Davis said. “Our firm’s strategic, multi-year process of ensuring a seamless transition of leadership has followed the same succession strategy we successfully apply with our own clients.”
Nelson, who joined MDA in 2006, has more than 25 years of experience helping industry-leading organizations build strong leadership capacity through systemic, sustainable talent development and individualized executive coaching. He is the principal architect behind MDA’s signature “Awaken, Align, Accelerate” development framework and the firm’s enhanced offering of leadership-related products and services.
“Over the years, MDA has been instrumental in building the leadership talent in our community, not only for U.S. Bank, but also for scores of other significant companies and non-profits,” said Richard Davis, chairman, president and CEO, U.S. Bank. “I congratulate Sandra and Scott on their leadership transition, and look forward to seeing firsthand the continuing positive impact of MDA.”
Nelson earned his M.A. in industrial/organizational psychology from the University of Tulsa, and his B.A. in psychology from Luther College. He is a member of ISA – The Association of Learning Providers, and the Society of Human Resource Management. He is a frequent speaker at professional conferences and workshops, including the 2013 national Strategy Conference of the Society of Human Resources Management. He has written numerous articles and book chapters on leadership development and is currently working on a new book about the vital conversations of executive leadership. Nelson, his wife Cynthia and their four children reside in Long Lake, Minn.
“I am truly honored and excited to serve as just the second CEO of MDA Leadership in the firm’s 32 years,” Nelson said. “Every substantive business source points to the importance of talent and its development as integral to business strategy, no matter the size or type of organization. MDA is privileged to help many industry leaders develop their leadership quality, depth and breadth. We will continue to help organizations achieve a sustainable, talent-based competitive advantage.”
About MDA Leadership Consulting
Leadership matters. From the boardroom to the community to the playing field, leaders make the difference between mediocrity and excellence. MDA is a premier national leadership and talent development firm that partners with organizations to strengthen their individual, team, and organizational leadership. Our core services include leadership development, talent assessment, organizational performance and CEO and board services. MDA helps organizations identify the right talent to drive results, accelerates the development of leaders at all levels, and sharpens alignment between talent and strategy. By taking the time to understand our clients’ needs, strategies, and challenges, MDA helps them build a competitive advantage through increased talent acumen and leadership performance. To learn more, visit www.mdaleadership.com.
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