Tiana Nelson, director of Denver Public Relations and Outreach for CSU, has been named one of the Denver Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 for 2017.
The award recognizes outstanding local professionals under age 40 for their business success and community contributions.
“I am extremely proud to work for CSU and very honored to be included in this group of highly talented people,” Nelson said when she learned she had been chosen from among the more than 300 nominees this year. “It’s an exciting time to be in Denver, and it’s important for me to contribute to what makes Denver such an incredible city. Connecting with people, volunteering with nonprofits, contributing to important organizations, and being an active participant in our community is what brings me purpose.”
Nelson earned her bachelor’s in technical journalism, with a minor in political science, from CSU in 2005, and an MBA in 2010. She has worked for the university for more than eight years. Before moving into her current position, she served as director of CSU’s Denver Alumni Programs, planning and publicizing more than 100 events per year for the nearly 60,000 Ram alums living in the metro area, and leading operations for the CSU Denver Center.
University partnerships
In her current position, Nelson leads communications teams for CSU projects and partnerships, including the Todos Santos Center in Baja Sur, Mexico; the National Western Center redevelopment; and works to grow strategic partnerships for the university, such as Denver Museum of Nature and Science, Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver, and Denver International Airport. She also works closely with the colleges within CSU to connect faculty and staff with various opportunities in Denver, such as showcasing their work at Denver Startup Week.
Nelson is also the founder, president and COO of PawsCo, a volunteer-run 501c3 nonprofit dedicated to reducing pet overpopulation through adoption, spay/neuter outreach, and providing pet food to families in need through a partnership with the Food Bank of the Rockies. All rescued PawsCo animals live in foster homes – rather than a shelter – until they are adopted; the organization includes more than 300 volunteers.
“Tiana has played a key role in our efforts to improve our market position and engagement in Denver, and has been instrumental in our success,” said Tom Milligan, vice president for external relations. “She brings an incredible energy, intelligence and spirit of collaboration to everything she does, and is one of the most consistently positive and upbeat people I have ever had the pleasure of working with. She well deserves this recognition for her professionalism and continuing success.”
The 40 Under 40 winners are being honored at a luncheon on March 16, and will be profiled in a special section of the Denver Business Journal publishing March 17.
To learn more about 40 Under 40 and see a slide show of all this year’s winners, go to the DBJ website.
