Gale S. Nelson

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President & CEO

Gale S. Nelson





Our new facility, the Carnival Center for Excellence—which offers Littles many tools to both learn and have fun—heralds BBBS of Miami’s bright next chapter. While mentoring will always remain at the forefront of our mission, we are expanding our programs and services to include digital literacy, health and wellness, music and the arts, academic enrichment, and career pathways training. We are engaging thousands of promising youth and empowering future leaders for the betterment of our community.

About Gale

Gale Nelson was born in Lincoln, Nebraska and grew up in Toledo, Ohio where he began his pursuit of personal and professional success. Gale has worked his way up the ladder the hard way—always confident, determined and focused on his goals and building strong personal relationships.

Gale earned his Bachelor of Business Administration in Corporate Finance from the University of Toledo (Toledo, OH) and his Master of Science in Management and Administration of Educational Programs from Nova Southeastern University (Davie, FL).

Gale has earned eight doctoral hours in Non-Profit Leadership at Colorado Technical University (Colorado Springs, CO).

Gale’s professional career includes over 20 years of non-profit management and leadership experience. Currently, he is the President & CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami, and since joining the team in July 2006, he has played a significant role in the growth and development of the agency’s mentoring and fund development programs. Prior to joining Big Brothers Big Sisters, he served as Executive Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer at a moderate risk residential school for court adjudicated boys for twelve years.

Gale is a highly effective public speaker and the consummate strategist who provides solution-focused leadership. His faith and his family continue to keep him grounded in helping youth and families.


Some of Gale’s accomplishments include:

  • June 2018
    Selected by the Harvard Business School to participate in the Strategic Perspectives in Non-Profit Management for CEO’s from around the world.
  • March 2016
    Recognized as one of the 12 Good Men of South Florida by the Ronald McDonald House.
  • February 2014
    Recognized as one of South Florida’s Most Powerful Professionals in Business and Industry by Legacy Miami Magazine.

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