Since 2003, Carlos Nelson has served as the CEO of the Greater Auburn Gresham Development Corporation.  Carlos has grown the organization from a one-person operation to a staff of nearly fifty full-time and part-time associates; with scores of volunteers helping the organization carry out its mission to foster and promote revitalization of the low-to-moderate income communities in Chicago and South Suburban neighborhoods, by utilizing comprehensive community development strategies and initiatives to help maintain healthy, safe and sustainable neighborhoods where families can thrive.

Carlos holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering and a Master’s degree in Business Administration and since leaving corporate America in 2003 to lead the small, upstart not-for-profit, he has built a team of committed professionals working to impact and improve the lives of south side and southland residents and businesses.  GAGDC’s innovative development strategies have resulted in the organization winning the highly competitive Pritzker-Traubert Foundation’s $10M Chicago Prize.

Carlos serves on or has served on several committees, advisory councils and boards including the University of Illinois at Chicago’s African-American Advisory Council, Local School Council for Richard J. Oglesby Elementary School, Advisory Board of the Chicago Development Fund, board of directors for Chicagoland Habitat for Humanity, board of directors of MAPSCorps, Inc., board of directors of New Pisgah Community Service Organization and the board of directors for Greater Chatham Initiative. Carlos also co-chairs the 006th Police District’s Business Subcommittee and is a recipient of the Norm Bobbins Emerging Leaders Award and the Chicago Defender Men of Excellence Award.