Lead, Follow, or Get Out of Our Way!

By Renee Bissett, ACRT Services
July / August 2020 Newsline

A decade ago, the UAA membership elected a new president, Nelsen Money. None of us who knew Nelsen would be surprised at the legacy he created. Most notably was his contribution to the Utility Arborist Newsline. When he inherited the previous publication named the UAA Quarterly, it was a challenge to provide diverse content representing our whole industry. The UAA Quarterly had begun in 1992 and much of the content was written by staff and with a lot of “arm twisting” according to, then executive director, Derek Vannice. That year—when he led the UAA—the publication got a makeover. Its new name stands today, the Utility Arborist Newsline.

“Nelsen was the driving force behind the UAA editorial committee, and we can thank him for having enough content so that we could move to six issues a year,” said Vannice. 

Philip Charlton, the current Executive Director of the UAA attributes Nelsen’s biggest accomplishment has been his “transformation of the Newsline” and his ability to “mentor and encourage people, thanking those willing to help the UAA.” 

Nelsen wasn’t shy to ask members to do their part and he didn’t make them do it alone. He’d stand shoulder to shoulder with you, providing guidance and support, and lifting you up when you needed it. According to Craig Kelly, PG&E and Past UAA President, Nelsen saw something in him that he didn’t see in himself, “Nelsen recognized future leadership and helped vet individuals like myself to get the ‘tap’ for a leadership role in the UAA. He encouraged and constantly supported all of his protégées, guiding them on their professional succession trail.” 

When Diona Neeser joined the UAA, it was partially due to Nelsen’s nudge. He was among the first to show her the ropes, too. “He was always in my corner, cheering me on—be it in the workplace or as a friend outside of work. He would call or text just to check in on me, give advice, and then head off to the next big fishing day or glass of fine wine that awaited him,” she said. 

We have to remember that even though he was technically retired, he never stopped giving back to the industry. Others who worked closely with Nelsen echoed similar experiences.  

“Nelsen is one of the most giving people I have ever met, giving of his time, experiences, and his wisdom. Nelsen always worked in the background as to not draw attention to himself. He preferred to pass the attention and torch to others around him for the greater good of our industry and profession,” said Will Nutter, Wright Tree Service, and Past UAA President.  

Randy Miller followed Nelsen’s tenure as UAA President, describing him as a, “hall-of-famer caliber guy, both personally and professionally. What he valued most from Nelsen was his, “measured judgement and sound advice during a dynamic period in the UAA’s history.” 

More than just the Utility Arborist Newsline, Nelsen established the partnership the UAA currently has with T&D World, producing an annual vegetation management supplement, which expanded our reach. Charlton also credited Nelsen for, “making the Western Regional meeting a huge success.” He also contributed to the ROW Stewardship accreditation and was a strong supporter of the program. 

Vannice said, “He was tireless in his promotion of the UAA and IVM.” There were few corners of this industry Nelsen didn’t touch. His legacy is profound. 

“Nelsen was a true IVM/UVM ambassador, with unwavering passion, commitment, and industry-level engagement…a mentor, father, brother, colleague, friend, passionate fisherman, and loving husband. The UVM industry, colleagues/friends that Nelsen touched are exponentially superior from his expertise and spirited discussions,” said Eric Brown, SMUD, UAA President. 

Rich Hendler, ACRT, summarized Nelsen’s contributions as immense: “To the UAA, our editorial committee, our UAA leadership team, our industry, and our life pursuits, we travel the road Nelsen has built and what a positive influence on us all.” 

He didn’t just lift up those of us lucky enough to know him. He did it for the whole industry. Lori Jones, Salt River Project, reminded me that “when industry legends leave us, we need to keep their memories alive.” 

The best way to honor Nelsen’s legacy is to lift those up around us, offering mentorship, friendship, and coaching to those that need it. Keep carrying his torch, and if you catch a big fish, remember him. 

When Nelsen handed over the reins of the editorial committee to me last fall, he told me, “It has been a great ride for many years and the team has done an excellent job. I’ll probably join some calls and can be a resource if needed. It’s time to fish more and enjoy each day.” 

Nelsen would often check in with people and make sure they felt appreciated. After joining us for a recent editorial committee meeting, he sent me a text, “You are doing great.” He went on to say, “It was fun listening in.” That was his last meeting. Nelsen Money passed away in his sleep on May 23, 2020; leaving an everlasting legacy.