From Wall Street to Kansas City: A Leader Who Listens & Acts
Joseph Nelson’s journey from military service to finance, technology, and education advocacy has been driven by one mission—creating opportunities for people to succeed.After a successful career as a Goldman Sachs professional specializing in risk analysis and diversity initiatives, Joseph turned his focus to community leadership, ensuring that Kansas City’s education system aligns with the city’s long-term growth and economic success.Through his work with Black Excellence KC, WEB DuBois Learning Center, and the Entrepreneur & Small Business Council, Joseph has seen firsthand how strong schools impact workforce development, business success, and quality of life. His goal? To make Kansas City a national model for public education excellence.
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Discover our mission and vision for lasting impact.
Joseph Nelson is committed to restoring trust, raising academic standards, and putting students first in every decision. His vision for KCPS is one where families feel heard, educators feel supported, and every student has a clear path to success.
Mission
To build a community of shared investment in public education by fostering transparency, equity, and accountability. I am committed to ensuring every student has access toa high-quality education, advocating for strong teacher support and fair compensation, and engaging families, educators, and community partners in collaborative decision-making that strengthens Kansas City Public Schools.
Vision
I envision a thriving Kansas City where public education is the foundation of our community’s success. Through data-driven decision-making, strategic partnerships, and a focus on student outcomes, we will create a school system that attracts and retains top educators, empowers students of all backgrounds, and inspires civic engagement to make KCPS the best choice for every family.
