Scott Bernard Nelson '94

Associate Vice President for Strategic Communications/Chief Marketing Officer

Scott Bernard Nelson '94 is a two-time Ironman triathlon finisher, big-wall rock climber and avid fly fisherman. He was proud to return to Linfield in 2016, 22 years after his own graduation, to help students in the next generation achieve their dreams. Nelson came back to Linfield with decades of experience managing creative professionals and developing marketing plans.

As a journalist for some of the world’s largest news organizations, he covered 9/11 in Manhattan, the 2002 Winter Olympic Games and the U.S. invasion of Iraq. He also contributed to The Boston Globe's Pulitzer Prize-winning coverage of sexual abuse in the Catholic Church, which spawned the movie Spotlight.

Nelson enjoys modeling and acting, has co-written two novels and is a professional whiskey reviewer.

Professional resume

Education
B.S., Linfield University

MBA, University of Maryland

Certified financial planner designation, University of South Florida Muma College of Business
Experience
Associate vice president for strategic communications/chief marketing officer, Linfield University, 2020-present

Critic/spirits writer, The Whiskey Wash, 2019-present

Director of communications and marketing, Linfield College, 2016-2020

Co-founder and principal, Relium Media, 2011-present

Managing producer, Oregonian Media Group, 2013-2016

Business editor, The Oregonian, 2011-2013

Portland editor, The Oregonian/OregonLive.com, 2011

Online enterprise editor, The Oregonian/OregonLive.com, 2008-2011

Breaking news editor, The Oregonian/OregonLive.com, 2007-2008

Deputy business editor, The Oregonian/OregonLive.com, 2003-2007

Staff writer, The Boston Globe, 2000-2003

Personal finance editor, The Tampa Tribune, 1998-2000

Editor of online services, Kiplinger, 1996-1998

Research reporter, Kiplinger, 1994-1996
Leadership positions
Member, Linfield University President's Leadership Team

Member, Linfield University Business Advisory Council

Board member, Sherwood Regional Family YMCA