Many charities across the globe rely on a board of directors to manage organizational governance, distribution of funds, strategic direction, and even hiring decisions. However, in some cases, board membership is symbolic and hardly an opportunity for members to be involved in the day-to-day operations of a non-profit.
Justin Nelson, the Managing Director and Head of the Asset Management and Financial Principals Coverage Team for J.P. Morgan Private Bank in Connecticut, believes the opposite. He’s been an active board member of The Breast Cancer Alliance for years and believes that active board membership is key to protecting non-profit resources.
Justin Nelson’s Role at The Breast Cancer Alliance
Justin Nelson manages a 20-person team at J.P. Morgan that advises some of the most influential people in finance, overseeing over $15 billion in assets.
As part of his job, Nelson advises clients on all aspects of strategic wealth planning, including charitable giving. “There are a lot of people that I work with who want to give to charity, but haven’t figured out their mission and process of selecting charities,” he explains. “I think most people need to figure this out before giving truly feels rewarding.”
Why Active Board Participation Is A Must
Not only did Justin Nelson admire BCA’s mission, but he also realized there was a lot he could learn from the organization. While most boards serve a mere advisory role, BCA requires its directors to take a hands-on approach to leadership. “There are 30 people on the board and all of them are active in the organization,” Justin Nelson explains.
This is one of the many reasons Nelson has been involved with the charity for so long. “The board is so involved. You’re not just sitting on a board. You’re involved—hands-on. You get to go on field trips to meet with the people who are actually doing the research,” he says.
BCA’s approach allows Nelson to see the grant process firsthand, giving him a greater appreciation for the financial side of non-profit management. This level of engagement also fuels the organization’s fundraising efforts. With an annual goal of raising $1.5 to $2 million for research and support initiatives, board members play a critical role in hosting events like 5K walks, galas, and casino nights to expand the non-profit’s donor base.
Leadership Beyond the Boardroom
Justin Nelson’s hands-on approach to philanthropy aligns with his professional philosophy. Whether he’s guiding wealthy families in strategic wealth planning or raising funds for cancer research, he emphasizes the importance of doing more than simply making a donation. Charities also need hands-on management and on-the-ground expertise.
Nelson learned a lot during his time as a board member for BCA .“It’s super rewarding. It touches so many people. It’s a great group of people, and it’s been a lot of fun along the way. It feels good to give back to something where you feel like you’re making an impact,” he explains.
Whether through philanthropy or his work at J.P. Morgan, Justin Nelson exemplifies the power of engagement, demonstrating that leadership isn’t just about directing from the top—it’s about getting involved at every level.