Ric Nelson is the first-ever Executive Director of Peer Power. He graduated from the University of Alaska with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and a master’s degree in Public Administration. Ric was a member of the Governor’s Council on Disabilities and Special Education and served the Council off and on for over 10 years, including as the chair and a staff member. He was the recipient of the Top 40 Under 40 award in 2015, the founder of the non-profit Peer Power, and was honored by the National Association of People Supporting Employment First with their National Personal Achievement award in 2016. Ric experiences Cerebral Palsy and requires full-time assistance to manage his physical needs but he is expanding his advocacy, policy, and education efforts beyond the state of Alaska to support advances in all 50 states.