Candace Tiana Nelson

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With more than two decades of experience across all three branches of Washington, DC, government, Candace Tiana Nelson is a respected public affairs strategist known for helping organizations navigate government, build influential coalitions and achieve results in one of the nation’s most complex policy environments. As senior vice president of Bose Public Affairs Group’s (BPAG) local Washington, DC government relations team, Candace brings a rare, unmatched holistic understanding of the district’s legislative, political and administrative landscape.

A trusted advisor and public servant, Candace has spent her career at the intersection of policy, government operations, politics and community engagement. She has built relationships across government, business and community organizations and brings experience in legislative and policy development, stakeholder engagement, coalition building, performance and project management, constituent services and community affairs to the firm.

Before joining BPAG, Candace served as chief of staff to DC Councilmember Janeese Lewis George, the Democratic nominee for mayor of the District of Columbia. In that role, she managed the day-to-day operations of the Council office and staff while helping shape and advance the Councilmember’s legislative agenda, policy initiatives, constituent services and community engagement efforts. Candace served as a key strategic advisor and trusted liaison among government leaders, stakeholders and residents across the district.

Candace’s extensive district government experience also includes senior leadership, policy and operational roles with the Department of Health Care Finance, Department of Employment Services, Department of Human Services, Executive Office of the Mayor and Department of Small and Local Business Development. She also held positions with the Workforce Investment Council and Office of the Deputy Mayor for Greater Economic Opportunity. In 2022, Attorney General Brian Schwalb selected Candace to serve as transition director and chief of staff for his transition team, where she led transition operations, helped facilitate the transfer of power between administrations and oversaw the development of strategic recommendations that helped shape the incoming attorney general’s office and priorities.

Throughout her career, Candace has championed efforts to make government more responsive, accessible and accountable. Her work has focused on expanding access to public resources and services, strengthening partnerships between government and communities and ensuring residents have a meaningful voice in decisions that affect their lives.

Candace also brings firsthand political and campaign experience to her work. In 2026, she ran citywide for an At-Large seat on the Council of the District of Columbia, further deepening her understanding of the issues, priorities and challenges facing District residents. Her civic and political leadership includes serving as president of the Ward 4 Democrats of Washington, DC, Chair of Chairs for the DC Democratic Party and an Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner. She currently serves as president of the DC Democratic Black Caucus, where she continues to help shape civic engagement and political leadership throughout the district.