In life, if you’re fortunate, you get a chance to work with people who truly embody the mission of an organization. People who show up in service to the organization each day, steadily and quietly making a difference. People who lift all those around them, helping them grow in work and life. Clarence Nelson is such a person.
In 2013, at the end of a storied career, Clarence showed up as a consultant at SEED. He imagined he’d help for about six months and then retire. He ended up coming on staff as the Director of Assets and stayed for nine years. Clarence got up fantastically early, commuting all the way from Poulsbo, just so he could serve the residents of Southeast Seattle.
As a child, Clarence lived in public housing in Memphis, experiencing both the benefits and limitations of living in public housing in the 1950s. An avid drummer, he toured with soul, blues, and R&B acts before his career in housing.
His career took him from being a property manager to leading affordable housing compliance in five states and winning awards for his work. Over the years, he helped tens of thousands of people have a quality affordable home.
Clarence is the ultimate representation of what it means to be in community. Through periods of growth, apartment remodeling, and the challenges of COVID, every day Clarence has worked to support our neighbors. We so appreciate his years of service to SEED and the whole community.
Tonita Webb, SEED Board President
Always the quiet performer, Clarence would skillfully address the loudest problems. In the same day, he’d deal with an urgent security issue at a building, take the lead on a complex HUD refinance on a short timeline, mentor a site manager, and chat with a senior on the sidewalk outside their apartment. And he’d still get home in time for dinner.
Clarence says he’s retiring for real this time. We believe him, we honor him, and will dearly miss our friend and coworker.
Pictured above: Clarence (third from left) with Ron Sims, former Deputy Secretary of HUD, and members of Sims' staff on a tour of SEED buildings; Clarence Nelson; Clarence and a building manager delivering PPE to SEED commercial tenants.