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Jerry Nelson
UCLA '48
Vice-Chairman

Jerry has been a general contractor with construction projects in Michigan, California, Arizona and Mexico. He is president and founder of Pinnacle Peak Land Company and of Pinnacle Paradise, Inc. of Scottsdale, Arizona. Through these entities and affiliates he has, since 1971, developed Pinnacle Peak Village, Pinnacle Peak Country Club and Shopping Plaza, Troon Village and Troon Golf & Country Club, Troon North and Troon North golf course. Current developments are proceeding in Scottsdale and Prescott, Arizona and Cabo San Lucas, BCS, Mexico.

As an entrepreneur, Jerry has funded the creation and startup of numerous companies, including Simulnet, Video Electronics, Ticketmaster, Antenna Technology Corporation, Technology Control Services, and Troon Golf Management. He was appointed by Arizona Governor Bruce Babbitt to the Urban Lands Advisory Commission and, in 1997, was inducted into Scottsdale's “History Maker Hall of Fame.” He and his wife, Florence, are very active in Phoenix, Arizona and national philanthropy, including Arizona State University, The Mayo Clinic - Scottsdale, The University of Arizona, the U.S. Olympics, and the American Leadership Academy.

Jerry has been a Foundation Trustee since 1989 and has led the charge to grow the Endowment and expand the board. Jerry has been the catalyst behind the chapter scholarship funds program, promoting the Foundation as the “community foundation” for Phi Psi's almost 100 chapters and he has been a leader in the promotion of grants and reserves for safe and competitive chapter housing.

At the 2000 Grand Arch Council, Phi Kappa Psi recognized Jerry's outstanding achievement as a volunteer and philanthropist with a National Leadership Award. In 2004, Jerry was selected by the North-American Interfraternity Conference Foundations Section as Philanthropist of the Year. The NIC Foundations Section represents the educational foundations of over 60 men's and women's fraternal groups.

Jerry and his wife Florence live most of the year at their estate in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, where they enjoy hosting Phi Psis of all chapters and generations. They have three sons, Nic, Tom (Sigma Chi) and J.P. (UCLA '94).