[3] He graduated in 1989 with a degree in political science and eventually became a production manager for a clothing manufacturing company in Chapel Hill.
[2] In 1987 Nelson managed Joe Herzenberg's successful campaign for election to the Chapel Hill Town Council.
[7] In 1997 he and the aldermen agreed to purchase the building of the former Carrboro Baptist Church, which was subsequently turned into town offices and an events center.
[8] The following year the town created a Fête de la Musique committee, with Nelson serving as a founding member.
[11] In 2007 he registered as a candidate for a seat in the North Carolina General Assembly, but withdrew when incumbent Eleanor Kinnaird announced her intention to seek re-election.