Protocol Officer and Government Liaison

As Protocol Officer and Government Liaison for the Faith and Politics Institute (FPI), Nelson Watkins is responsible for working closely with Congressional Members, to establish strong relationships with Members and their Staff. Nelson has held several key roles at the Faith and Politics Institute during his 22-year tenure. His current role most aptly reflects his passion for communicating the goals of FPI by providing service to Congressional Offices. Throughout his time at FPI Nelson’s attentiveness and work ethic has been reflected in his transitions from Office manager to Program Coordinator, to Senior Congressional Liaison and to his current role as Protocol Officer and Government Liaison.

Nelson’s expertise as an exemplary, trusted advisor and influencer was evident while serving in an Executorial management capacity for the Multi-million-dollar Estate of a prominent, deceased Georgetown Washingtonian. It was at that time, that he gained a heightened interest in the politics and influencers of Washington. His experience in this managing role influenced his decision to remain in Washington.

A native of Alabama, Nelson graduated from Faulkner University a Christian University in Florence, Alabama where he earned his degree in Business Administration with Concentration in Management in December 1987. He moved to Washington, DC in May 1998 to oversee the management and eventual sale of a multi-million dollar Georgetown Estate. Prior to moving to Washington, DC, Nelson held roles in a wide range of service and hospitality organizations in Alabama working in positions such as Assistant Payroll Manager for the Department of Human Resources and Assistant Front Office Manager and Night Auditor for one of the State of Alabama’s largest State Resorts.

Nelson’s servant heart is evidenced by his devotion to serving at his church as Associate Minister at the Metropolitan Baptist Church, one of the oldest historic black churches in the DMV area under the leadership of Rev. Dr. George L. Parks, Jr. In December 2007, Nelson was officially licensed into Ministry by Senior Servant Emeritus Rev. Dr. H. Beecher Hicks, Jr. Nelson is also Director of the Charles S. Whitted New Disciples Ministry, Former Vice President, and Chaplain for (PUSH), Pray Until Something Happens Ministry, and the Pastor’s Partners ministry.