Barbara Nelson

Barbara is the retired Chairman, President and CEO of the SPCA Albrecht Center for Animal Welfare.

She was born in Massachusetts and earned a B.S. in Wildlife Biology from the University of Massachusetts. She conducted research for the U.S. Forest Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which led her to a career with the Iowa Department Natural Resources. She was appointed to the Iowa Natural Resource Commission by Governor Terry Branstad where she served as Chairwoman until moving to Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Barbara then pursued a career as a sculptor, winning numerous awards, including 2nd and 3rd Best in World at the Ward Foundation World Championships.

She is the Ex-Master of Whiskey Road Foxhounds, a former show jumper, and eventer. She enjoys golf, foxhunting, snorkeling, travel, driving a nice sportscar, and spending time in her art studio, as well as caring for her farm and dogs.

She is a Qi Gong, Yoga, and Meditation practitioner and devotee of Sadhguru.