About

Denise Nelson founded DNA in 2024 in Richmond, Virginia, as a small, women-owned business (SWaM certified) focused on sustainable and resilient infrastructure solutions for government agencies, private companies, and other organizations in Virginia, the US, and nationally. 

Mrs. Nelson is an Environmental Engineer and Planner, Certified Floodplain Manager, Envision Sustainability Professional, and LEED Accredited Professional, with 20+ years of experience in sustainable development, community and coastal resiliency, stakeholder engagement, grant writing, and creating training tailored for adult learners. 

Mrs. Nelson's resume includes experience with Metcalf & Eddy and Maunsell (now both AECOM), Greeley and Hansen (now TYLin), the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure, Berkley Group, and Launch! Consulting.

Mrs. Nelson has been active in professional societies since college. She has been an active member of: 

• American Society of Civil Engineers, Virginia Tech Student Chapter, Richmond Branch, and the Sustainability Committee's Policy Subcommittee

• Water Environment Federation, the Ohio Water Environment Association, and the Virginia Water Environment Association

• American Water Works Association and Virginia Chapter 

• American Public Works Association and Mid-Atlantic Chapter

• Association of State Floodplain Managers 

• Virginia Floodplain Management Association 

• Resilient Virginia and the Resilient Virginia Collaborative Alliance

• Coastal Virginia Adaptation and Resilience Consortium

• American Sustainable Business Network

• GISMO NYC

• Resilient Design Collaborative