John Nelson
Design Project Faculty
John is a Higher Education Administrator and Executive Coach with more than 17 years of professional experience in student affairs, international education, and international partnership development. He has worked for Carleton University for thirteen years, occupying positions in two of the five line- faculties and in three of the four VP portfolios. As Director of the Innovation Hub, John is responsible for the strategy, planning, and operations of a unit that provides a platform for entrepreneurship education, experiential learning, social invention, and new venture creation activities for the Carleton student community. He works closely with student founders on campus and facilitates partnerships with collaborators in the entrepreneurship ecosystem in Ottawa.
John holds a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Ottawa, an MEng in Technology Innovation Management from Carleton University, and an ACC credential from the International Coaching Federation. He has also completed the Innovation Governance Program (iGP) by the Council of Canadian Innovators (CCI). As an ICF Certified executive coach, he works with high potential entrepreneurs and professionals navigating change, and with high school and university students exploring academic and professional options. He is also actively engaged in supporting and mentoring new immigrants to Canada as they transition to the Canadian workforce.