As Executive Vice President at Element Consulting, Inc., Nelson Martinez brings more than three decades of experience leading program, project, and construction management efforts for complex public-sector capital improvement programs. Throughout his career, Nelson has worked alongside school districts, community colleges, and public agencies to plan and deliver projects that respond to the needs of the clients and communities they serve.

​

Nelson’s approach to leadership is straightforward: understand the client’s needs, bring the right people and resources to the table, and work together toward a common goal. His experience spans executive leadership, program and construction management, facilities planning, and public education, giving him a broad understanding of what it takes to successfully deliver complex capital programs from initial planning through construction and closeout.

​

“Successful projects are built by aligning the right people, expertise, and resources around a common goal. When teams work collaboratively and strategically with a focus on what is best for the client, we create facilities that provide lasting value to the students and communities we serve.”

​

Nelson has successfully managed and supported major K–12 and higher education capital programs ranging from $60 million to more than $500 million. His experience includes program development, facilities planning, design management, procurement, cost and budget management, scheduling, construction administration, contract negotiations, program controls, and project closeout.

​

At Element Consulting, Nelson provides executive leadership for the firm’s operations, resource management, project delivery, and client services. A key part of his role is ensuring project teams are properly aligned and have the resources and support they need to be successful. He also works closely with clients and Element’s project leadership to address challenges, make informed project decisions, and provide executive-level guidance when needed.

​

Nelson’s work with Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District reflects his hands-on approach to project leadership. In addition to his current role on the new Malibu High School Project, he served as Senior Project Manager for the $77 million Malibu Middle School project, leading construction management activities from bid and award through construction and closeout. His responsibilities included site safety, schedule compliance, quality assurance, coordination of construction activities, and resolution of project challenges. Working closely with the District, design team, contractor, inspectors, and project stakeholders, Nelson oversaw site safety, schedule compliance, quality assurance, construction coordination, and resolution of project challenges while maintaining focus on the District’s overall objectives. 

​

Prior to joining Element Consulting, Nelson served as Vice President with Arcadis, where he was responsible for Building Operations within the Program Management and Construction Management Division. In this role, he directed construction management activities throughout Southern California, including the Los Angeles, Orange County, and Inland Empire regions, and provided leadership and oversight for more than 50 professionals. His responsibilities included client operations, project delivery, resource management, and expanding the firm’s education-sector services.

​

Earlier in his career, Nelson held several leadership positions with Pacifica Services, Inc., including Vice President, Project Executive, Program Director, Senior Project Manager, and Project Manager. During his tenure, he directed public-sector capital improvement programs, expanded client services, and provided leadership for major educational facilities initiatives, including the $350 million Pasadena Unified School District Measure Y Bond Program and the $60 million El Rancho Unified School District Measure A Bond Program.

​

Nelson’s commitment to public education extends beyond his professional career. He has served for more than 20 years as a Trustee for the Wiseburn Unified School District Board of Education, including serving twice as Board President and Clerk. He is also one of the original founders of Da Vinci Schools, helping establish an innovative public school model that has expanded educational opportunities for students in Wiseburn and the surrounding communities. His experience on both sides as a school board member and a facilities professional provides him with a unique understanding of the challenges school districts face and the responsibility they have to their students, families, staff, and communities. It has also reinforced his belief in the importance of thoughtful planning, collaboration, and being a good steward of public resources. 

​

Nelson holds a Master of Science in Environmental Science and Occupational Health from California State University, Northridge, and a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Science from the University of California, Santa Barbara. He is a Certified Construction Manager (CCM) and a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional in Building Design and Construction (LEED AP BD+C).

​

Today, Nelson continues to help lead Element with the same philosophy that has guided him throughout his career: listen to our clients, understand their needs, bring the right people and resources to the table, and work together to get the job done. For Nelson, successful project delivery is ultimately about more than completing a project; it is about creating facilities that support students, strengthen communities, and provide lasting value for generations to come.