Fast Five: Nancy Nelson

Meet Nancy Nelson, a lifelong Idahoan and Hayden resident since 2010. She was born and raised in St. Maries and played on four state-champion volleyball teams during high school in the late '80s and early '90s. She graduated from the University of Idaho.

Generation:

Textbook Gen-Xer, raised on MTV, John Hughes movies and cynicism.

Career and community involvement:

I just reached the nine-year mark as an account manager with the Murray Group, an employee benefits consulting firm in Coeur d’Alene. I also serve on the Long-Range Planning Committee for the Coeur d’Alene School District, volunteer as a Regional Business Professionals of America judge, am a member of the National Association of Health Underwriters and will soon be a graduate of River City Leadership Academy Class of 2019.

Parental status:

Chauffer to an active son, Reid, who will be starting at Coeur d'Alene High School in the fall.

1. What does an account manager with the Murray Group do?

That question has many possible answers! The elevator speech version is that I work with large employers in Idaho, handling the day-to-day issues of managing their employee-benefit programs. However, I think the best way to sum up my job is to say, “I find solutions to problems you didn’t even know you had.”

2. What do you love most about your job?

The people — co-workers and clients. I get the privilege of working with an amazing team that shows up every day to serve our clients at the highest possible level. We also have a tremendous office culture that leads to a lot of fun. I can’t remember a day at work where I haven’t had a good laugh. Also, the caliber of professionals I get to interact with daily makes this job pretty incredible. I work with 20 large employers in Idaho in various industries, ranging from manufacturers to medical providers to public school districts. Every day, I get to learn from and interact with some of the smartest leaders in our area.

3. What motivates you to go out and face the world each day?

Without a doubt, my son is the reason for everything good in my life. Not showing up and failing him is just not an option.

4. What is something people would be surprised to learn about you?

I am obsessed with true crime stories and documentaries, especially anything about serial killers. If you saw my Netflix account, you would understand the extent of my problem. I really think I should have been an FBI profiler.

5. As a lifelong Idahoan, what is your most favorite thing about the Gem State?

I love the natural beauty that surrounds us, especially in North Idaho. My ideal day is spent on the upper St. Joe River with a fly rod and no cellphone service. Pure heaven. How incredibly fortunate I am to have been born in the perfect place.