Dr. Brad Nelson: Senior Air Force officer says his fondest memories are from his time in Hillsboro

By Steve Roush
HCP columnist

NOTE: This is Part 2 of a series leading up to the Highland County Historical Society inducting five more members into its Hall of Fame on Aug. 16. This week, we profile Dr. Brad D. Nelson, PhD.

Ladies and gentlemen, drawing on over two decades of expertise, Hillsboro native Dr. Brad D. Nelson, who was born March 3, 1977, specializes in military contracting, leadership and management.

He’s currently an active-duty Air Force officer assigned to Scott Air Force Base, Illinois. Prior to this assignment, he served as the Deputy Director of Contracting for the Agile Combat Support (ACS) Directorate at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio.

In that role, he provided critical Operational Imperatives support by managing a $7.25 billion portfolio to acquire and sustain Airman war-enabling capabilities and to execute Foreign Military Sales to 60 sites worldwide.

Under his leadership as the Directorate’s senior military contracting leader, the Team distinguished itself across the Air Force Life Cycle Management Command (AFLCMC) by earning the Outstanding Systems Contracting Unit annual award.

Prior to these roles, he deployed to Kabul, Afghanistan, for six months in support of Operation NATO Resolute Support as the Operations and Integration Cell Head. From 2015 to 2019, he served as a Contracting Officer at the Federal Aviation Administration Headquarters in Washington, DC.

Dr. Nelson began his active-duty military career in 2000 as an enlisted service member in the United States Army. He later earned his commission as an officer in 2003 and served as a Battery Executive Officer, Platoon Leader, and Battalion Liaison Officer from 2003 to 2006 before separating from active duty and joining the Army Reserves.

Between 2006 and 2008, he excelled in a range of leadership roles at various organizations, including Warehouse Supervisor at Ecolab, Outbound Warehouse Supervisor at Hagemeyer North America, and Human Resources Executive Team Leader at Target Brands Inc.

Subsequently, he gained expertise as a Contracting Officer at the United States Department of Veterans Affairs and the Pretrial Service Agency for the District of Columbia, followed by posts as a Senior Contracts Specialist for DARPA and the Army Contracting Command.

He also deployed to Baghdad, Iraq, for a one-year tour as an Army Reservist from 2009 to 2010.
Outside his primary career path, Dr. Nelson is the published author of two books, “Pre-Deployment Guidebook from a Christian’s Perspective” and “A Broken Vow and Heart: A Christian’s Experience Triaging, Healing, and Growing Through Divorce.”

Before embarking on his professional journey, Dr. Nelson pursued an education at Binghamton University, where he earned a bachelor of science in politics, philosophy and law in 2000, followed by a master of science in human resources management from Webster University in 2004. He continued his academic studies at Warren National University, earning a master of business administration in human resources management in 2009. 

Dr. Nelson also attended Capella University, where he earned a doctor of philosophy in criminal justice in 2018 and a master of divinity from Northwestern Theological Seminary in 2026. He is also a doctor of ministry candidate with Northwestern Theological Seminary.

As a commitment to his field, Dr. Nelson is a member of the National Contract Management Association and is certified in several professional disciplines. Likewise, dedicated to civic advocacy, Dr. Nelson is active in his local church, serves as a board member of the community-based nonprofit Arm & Arm in Arlington, Va., volunteers with Big Brothers and Big Sisters of America, and is listed in the 2025 Marquis Who’s Who in America biographical list and the November 2023 Marquis Who’s Who in America Top Military featured list.

Well regarded for his contributions to the field, Dr. Nelson has received multiple awards, including the Defense Service Medals and Joint Service Commendation Medals from the Army and Air Force. Among his professional accomplishments, he is most proud of his gift and desire to serve, encourage, and help people realize their significance and achieve their goals.

Reflecting on his life and career, he attributes any success or good that has come to him to prayer, God’s divine guidance, and God’s unwavering presence. He also credits his Christian faith, determination, resilience, ambition, and gratitude in all things to his mother, grandparents, family, and surrogate parents, Mr. Rodney Dixon and Ms. Janey Bennet, whom he regards as his role models. Looking toward the future, Dr. Nelson is working on a third book, “Praying in the Dark: A Christian’s Journey Through Depression.”

He also said his fondest memories were experienced growing up in Hillsboro.

“From Baghdad, Iraq to Fort Sill, Oklahoma; Fort Benning, Georgia; Washington D.C.; Augusta, Georgia; Rome, New York; Martinsburg, West Virginia; Doha, Quatar; Scott Air Force Base in Illinois, Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio to Kabul, Afghanistan, I proudly carry my hometown in my heart and beamed with pride whenever I was asked where I was from,” Dr. Nelson said. “I absolutely love Hillsboro and its amazing residents.”

In addition to Dr. Nelson, this year’s inductees include Dinah Phillips, Leslie Ramsey, Dr. Robert T. “Rob” Sharp and the late Paul Turner.

The recipients will be honored at an induction ceremony that will be held at the First Presbyterian Church on Sunday, Aug. 16, at 2 p.m., with a reception and social hour immediately following at the Highland House Museum. 

The Highland County Historical Society cordially invites the public to attend and honor this outstanding group.

For more information on the society or the upcoming Hall of Fame ceremony, please call (937) 393-3392 or email hchistoricalsociety@gmail.com.

Steve Roush is president of the Highland County Historical Society and has served as chairman and vice chairman of the HCHS Board of Trustees. He is also a board member of the Highland District Hospital Foundation, a vice president of an international media company, and a columnist and contributing writer for The Highland County Press. He can be reached at roush_steve@msn.com.