Photo of T.J. Nelson

T.J. joined Redstone as a Policy Advisor in June 2020 and works in our Sioux Falls office. Prior to joining the Redstone Government Relations Team, T.J. served as Sioux Falls Mayor Paul TenHaken’s Campaign Manager and Deputy Chief of Staff. While in the Mayor’s office, T.J. focused on media relations, speechwriting, special projects, and policy initiatives at the local, state, and federal levels. T.J. has also worked in campaign and official office capacities for U.S. Senators John Thune and Mike Rounds. His public relations and communications background includes focus areas in health care, human resources, transportation, railroads, and crisis communications. 

T.J. reflects our core values. Here is what colleagues say about T.J.:

  • "T.J. is a strategic thinker with strong communications skills. His quiet sense of humor coupled with the passion he has for his work makes him an invaluable asset.”
  • "T.J.’s focus, organizational skills, and follow through are attributes anyone he works with will come to appreciate.”
  • "T.J. has the experience, acumen, and street smarts to effectively advise on a broad range of policy matters. He understands the playing field and is a person of action.”
  • "T.J. has a keen political interest and attention to detail that made him an invaluable resource on our campaign.”
  • "T.J. has in-depth knowledge of the political landscape and the public policy issues in South Dakota.”

Most interesting place he's visited in South Dakota: Downtown Sioux Falls is an incredible place with its variety of stores, restaurants, and sculptures plus the Pavilion. One of my favorite places is the State Theatre on Phillips Avenue. Once the restoration is complete, it will be an incredible venue for the City. 

Little known fact about T.J.: He’s far from a virtuoso, yet T.J. has learned to play more than 12 different musical instruments. His favorites include guitar, piano, bass, and mandolin. 

T.J.'s favorites:

  • Movies: Young Frankenstein, The Great Outdoors, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, and The Godfather
  • TV Shows: The West Wing, Seinfeld, Parks and Recreation, Sherlock, and Fraiser
  • Musical Artists: The Beatles, Tom Petty, James Taylor, and The Lone Bellow

While not at the office working with the Redstone Team, T.J. enjoys: Spending time with his wife, son and dogs, especially kayaking, spending time at the park, and exploring South Dakota. T.J. enjoys performing with various music groups in the area, cooking and baking, and travel photography.

T.J.'s professional background:

  • Public Policy, Media Relations, and Communications for the Mayor of Sioux Falls, South Dakota
  • Government Relations, Media Affairs, and Public Relations for DM&E Railroad and Canadian Pacific
  • Campaign Manager and Consultant for numerous statewide, legislative, and local political races in South Dakota
  • Corporate Communications for Sanford Health and The Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society

T.J.'s educational background:

  • Bachelor of Arts from Augustana University (2005). Studied Government and International Affairs, Business Management, and Journalism
  • Bloomberg-Harvard City Leadership Initiative (2018-2019)
  • Executive Education Certificate for Senior Executives in State and Local Government, John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University (2019)