Nelson Worldwide Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

Nelson Worldwide has 6 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, marketing, and design.

Driven by a commitment to transforming environments, Nelson Worldwide delivers architecture, interior design, graphic design, and brand strategy services that positively impact clients' lives and the spaces where they work, serve, play, and thrive.

Leadership Roles at Nelson Worldwide

  • Chief Executive Officer - Antwane Nelson
  • Chairman & Chief Executive Officer - Ozzie Nelson
  • Chief Executive Officer & President - VanDusen Chris
  • Chief Operating Officer - Nicole Washburn
  • President - Karen Daroff
  • Chief Marketing Officer - Jennifer Acevedo
  • Antwane Nelson - Chief Executive Officer

    Antwane Nelson, the Chief Executive Officer at Nelson Worldwide, directs the overarching strategy and vision for the firm's comprehensive design and brand services. This leadership role involves guiding the company's mission to transform all dimensions of the human experience through award-winning architecture, interior design, graphic design, and brand strategy. Overseeing a collective network of over 700 teammates across more than 18 offices, Antwane Nelson ensures the integration of industry experience, service expertise, and geographic reach to successfully deliver projects globally. The Chief Executive Officer's focus remains on fostering innovation and client-centric solutions that positively impact lives and the environments where people work, serve, play, and thrive. This executive drives the company's commitment to excellence and its reputation for delivering impactful, creative solutions across diverse markets.
    Antwane Nelson

    Ozzie Nelson - Chairman & Chief Executive Officer

    Ozzie Nelson, the Chairman & Chief Executive Officer at Nelson Worldwide, provides critical leadership in shaping the company's strategic direction and governance. This dual role encompasses both the long-term vision as Chairman and the operational oversight as Chief Executive Officer, ensuring the firm's continued success in delivering transformative design and brand strategy services. Ozzie Nelson guides the organization's commitment to positively impacting the human experience across work, play, and living environments. The Chairman & Chief Executive Officer's influence extends to maintaining the firm's award-winning status and fostering a culture of innovation among its extensive network of professionals. This executive's leadership ensures the integration of diverse expertise and geographic reach, enabling the delivery of impactful projects worldwide.

    VanDusen Chris - Chief Executive Officer & President

    VanDusen Chris, the Chief Executive Officer & President at Nelson Worldwide, spearheads the company's strategic initiatives and operational execution. This leadership position involves driving the firm's mission to transform environments through integrated architecture, interior design, graphic design, and brand strategy services. VanDusen Chris oversees the company's expansive network, ensuring seamless collaboration among over 700 professionals across more than 18 offices. The Chief Executive Officer & President's responsibilities include fostering a culture of creativity and client focus, guaranteeing that solutions positively impact the human experience in spaces where people work, serve, play, and thrive. This executive's tenure is marked by a dedication to delivering award-winning results and expanding the firm's global reach.

    Nicole Washburn - Chief Operating Officer

    Nicole Washburn, the Chief Operating Officer at Nelson Worldwide, manages the day-to-day operations and ensures the efficient delivery of the firm's comprehensive design and brand strategy services. This role is critical in optimizing the performance of the company's extensive network, comprising over 700 teammates across more than 18 offices. Nicole Washburn focuses on streamlining processes and enhancing collaboration to support the firm's mission of transforming environments and positively impacting the human experience. The Chief Operating Officer oversees resource allocation, project management methodologies, and operational excellence, ensuring that the company consistently delivers award-winning solutions. This executive's leadership drives operational efficiency, supporting the firm's ability to execute projects across the country and around the world.

    Karen Daroff - President

    Karen Daroff, the President at Nelson Worldwide, provides strategic leadership and operational oversight, contributing significantly to the firm's success in delivering transformative design and brand strategy services. This executive role involves guiding key initiatives that enhance the company's ability to impact the human experience across various environments. Karen Daroff ensures the integration of expertise from the firm's extensive network of professionals, fostering a collaborative approach to architecture, interior design, and graphic design. The President's focus is on maintaining the highest standards of service and innovation, supporting the firm's award-winning reputation. This leadership drives the execution of projects that positively affect where people work, serve, play, and thrive, reinforcing Nelson Worldwide's global reach and impact.

    Jennifer Acevedo - Chief Marketing Officer

    Jennifer Acevedo, the Chief Marketing Officer at Nelson Worldwide, directs the firm's marketing and brand strategy initiatives, enhancing its market presence and client engagement. This leadership position is pivotal in communicating the company's value proposition and award-winning capabilities in architecture, interior design, graphic design, and brand strategy. Jennifer Acevedo oversees the development and execution of marketing campaigns that highlight the firm's commitment to transforming environments and positively impacting the human experience. The Chief Marketing Officer ensures that the brand message resonates with clients and stakeholders, reinforcing Nelson Worldwide's reputation for delivering creative solutions. This executive's efforts support the firm's growth and its ability to connect with clients across diverse sectors and geographies.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Nelson Worldwide Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Nelson Worldwide?
    Nelson Worldwide is led by Antwane Nelson (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Ozzie Nelson (Chairman & Chief Executive Officer) and VanDusen Chris (Chief Executive Officer & President).
    Who is part of Nelson Worldwide’s executive team?
    The executive team of Nelson Worldwide includes leaders such as Antwane Nelson (Chief Executive Officer), Ozzie Nelson (Chairman & Chief Executive Officer), VanDusen Chris (Chief Executive Officer & President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Nelson Worldwide have?
    Nelson Worldwide has 6 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Nelson Worldwide’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Nelson Worldwide includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Executive Officer & President, Chief Operating Officer, President.