Shawn is the Founder and Principal of Nelson Government Strategies, a full-service government affairs firm based in Columbus, Ohio, where he utilizes almost two decades worth of Ohio government experience in leading the firm’s legislative and executive agency lobbying efforts.

Shawn brings valuable state government background and a wealth of Capitol Square connections to the firm from his time working in Ohio government and as an Ohio registered lobbyist. Prior to founding the firm, Shawn served as a Legislative Aide in the Ohio House of Representatives, a Campaign Manager for the Ohio House Republican Organizational Committee, Director of Legislative Affairs for the Ohio Auditor of State, Senior Policy Director for the Chairman of the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio, and Associate Partner at an Ohio-based lobbying firm.

Shawn got his start in state government through the highly competitive Legislative Service Commission Fellowship Program. He received his bachelor’s degree in History from Ohio University and his master’s degree in Public Policy and Management from The Ohio State University.