Just more than a month ago, Gary Nelson took over as executive director for Douglas County Senior Services, and he hit the ground running.

Early on, Nelson said he got his hands dirty filling in for a few employees who were out on vacation. He delivered meals and transported seniors to and from medical appointments and other obligations around town.

“They tested me early,” he said. “It was a good experience because it needed to be done, and that’s a part of my management style, to do what needs to be done.

“It just took me a while because I don’t know the town well enough,” he added with a laugh.

Nelson is a native of Lindsborg, where he received a good education and learned to appreciate a sense of community, he said.

“Fine arts were huge, lots of music,” he said. “It was a great place to grow up. But I think anybody in the Midwest could say that. You get a good farm work ethic, surrounded by hardworking people.”

After a brief stint at Washburn University in Topeka, Nelson said he was drafted and sent off to Vietnam for a time.

When he returned from overseas, Nelson said he resumed his studies at Western State College of Colorado (now Western State Colorado University) in Gunnison, Colo. There he studied biology and secondary education.

A few years into his teaching career, Nelson moved into a principal position in Lincoln, Kan., and then became the district’s superintendent. In those positions, he said, he enjoyed the work, but missed the feel of a classroom.

On particularly difficult days, Nelson said one of the few things that could cheer him up was a quick visit to a first- or second-grade classroom where he could see the smiling faces of students around him.

“The only negative about the administrative side is that while we felt we had more of an impact on what we were doing for the kids, you’re stepping further and further away from the kids,” he said.

Despite that distance, Nelson said he prefers a hands-on managerial style where he can learn about the issues and the people up close.

After retiring from the school district, Nelson said he wasn’t ready to stop working altogether and employment with a nonprofit such as Douglas County Senior Services is just what he was looking for.

“I really appreciate the opportunity to come into this position, and hopefully we’ll do some good things,” he said. “I’ve been really impressed with the people we have here.”

DCSS Board Chairman Dennis Domer said Nelson has made a few changes since he’s taken over the organization, including hiring a few new faces.

As Nelson becomes more acquainted with the group and the population it serves, Domer said he’s sure there will be more positive changes to come.

“We’re seeing a slow transformation of the agency,” Domer said. “Gary is getting his feet wet and trying to understand the various issues in particular.”

DCSS’s executive director position has changed hands many times in recent years, but Domer said he and the rest of the board are confident with Nelson’s experience and abilities.

“We have a lot to do but I think we have a good deal of capability now that we didn’t have a year ago and we should expect great things,” he said.

Nelson said he and his wife, Karen, have been married for 35 years. Together they have two daughters, two sons-in-law and one granddaughter.

In his spare time, Nelson said he enjoys mountain biking, a hobby he and his wife picked up in Colorado, reading and playing guitar.

Now that he’s passed his first month in his new position, Nelson said he’s enjoyed his time in Lawrence, both inside and outside of work.

“There was a lot of water under the bridge in the first 30 days of being here,” he said. “It’s good and I feel good about it, and optimistic.”

Q&A

Q: What was your last position? Education?

A: I was Superintendent of Schools for USD 298 Lincoln in Lincoln, Kan.

I graduated from Western State College of Colorado (now Western State Colorado University) with a Bachelor of Science in biology with a minor in secondary education. As a teacher I taught biology, human physiology and anatomy, chemistry and physics. I have a master’s degree in educational administration from Emporia State University.

Q: What drew you toward Lawrence and Douglas County?

A: My wife, Karen, and I had been talking about moving to Lawrence for the past few years. We both like the area, the culture, activities and opportunities that Lawrence and Douglas County have to offer. Karen is a Kansas University graduate, and both of our daughters attended KU. We always enjoyed our visits to Lawrence when the girls were in school.

Another blessing that occurred after we had decided to move to Lawrence was the birth of our granddaughter. I would say that pretty much sealed the deal in our decision to move to Lawrence.

Q: What about working at Douglas County Senior Services appealed to you?

A: As a public school employee, I have been a public servant for my entire career. I told my friends that when I retired I wanted to continue contributing to society. I was interested in working for some type of nonprofit organization. When I saw the executive director opening and began checking out DCSS, I thought it would be a good fit for me.

Q: Now that you have worked at DCSS for a month, what have you learned?

A: I’ve learned that we have a very dedicated staff and an informed board of directors. I’ve had an opportunity to have some formal meetings and some informal conversations with staff members, which has given me lots of encouragement about our organization.

I also had a chance to jump into the trenches to help out with scheduling transportation for some of our senior citizens and work at scheduling volunteer drivers for our Senior Meals program which delivers meals to home bound seniors.

Q: What changes do you envision for DCSS in the future?

A: I don’t think that I have been here long enough to have a vision that is very far out. But I am confident with our staff and the support of our board of directors, we will move forward in a collaborative and organized effort.

Q: What about your career as a superintendent translated well into your position?

A: I believe that working with a variety of people including students, parents, staff, community members, patrons and board members has provided me with valuable experiences to bring to DCSS. I have always been a strong believer in building relationships, and that will continue at DCSS.

Q: Do you see any specific challenges for DCSS in the future?

A: As DCSS moves forward and blends with ReInvent Retirement, I believe there will be changes, growing pains and opportunities to make a difference for senior citizens in Lawrence, Douglas County and hopefully across the entire country. We would like to be a model for other communities to copy.