Meet Jeffery Nelson

Jeffery R. Nelson is a passionate leader who has dedicated his career to improving the quality of life for people around the world by helping ensure medical products are safe, and sterile, and effective, and adhere to the highest quality standards.

Jeffery has worked in the contract testing space for more than 25 years, most recently as President of Nelson Laboratories, a leading provider of full, life-cycle microbiology testing services. As a unique hybrid with a background that blends business acumen, microbiology expertise, and regulatory savvy, Jeffery has set the course for Nelson Laboratories to become the global leader in laboratory testing services. Jeffery’s strategic focus and motivational skills have steered Nelson Laboratories to its industry-leading position.

Jeffery was recognized as the Utah Technology Council CEO of the Year in 2009. He was also a finalist in the Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year Competition in 2010. Jeffery is the recipient of an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters Degree from Salt Lake Community College, where he has regularly contributed to curriculum design in health and science programs. Jeffery led Nelson Laboratories through a strategic acquisition by Sterigenics International including a reverse integration that now positions Nelson Laboratories to become the global leader in laboratory testing. Jeff has accepted the position of Business Unit President, continuing to lead Nelson Laboratories and an additional 11 laboratory locations worldwide.

Beyond his work at Nelson Laboratories, Jeffery has been an active member of the community, serving on several non-profit boards including BioUtah (Utah’s Life Sciences Industry Association), the Utah Technology Council, and the Utah Shakespeare Festival. Jeffery was also appointed by Utah Governor Gary Herbert to serve as the chairperson of the STEM Action Center Board. Jeffery also has a long history of giving back to the community through the arts and via formal and informal mentoring relationships.

Jeffery received a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Utah in Microbiology and a Master in Business Administration degree from Westminster College. Additionally, he is a Specialist Microbiologist (SM) with the National Registry of Certified Microbiologists (NRCM) and a Certified Scrum Master (Scrum Alliance).

Jeffery currently lives in Salt Lake City with his wife Katie. They are the proud parents of two children, Alex and Riley.