University of St. Thomas Athletics
Staff Directory
- Title:
- General Manager - Lee & Penny Anderson Arena
- Email:
- Phone:
- 651-962-7951
Todd Nelson joined St. Thomas Athletics as the General Manager for the Lee and Penny Anderson Arena in January 2025.
Nelson joined St. Thomas after spending 24 years with the University of Wisconsin Athletic Department serving in a variety of positions, most recently as the Senior Assistant Athletic Director for Event Operations. While at Wisconsin, he directed the planning and execution of a comprehensive event portfolio that included 23 intercollegiate teams, concerts, university/community functions, Big Ten/NCAA Championships, and state high school championships. He also served as a department liaison to multiple partners (police, fire, concessions, merchandise, apparel, corporate sponsors, fundraising, alumni relations, recreational sports, City of Madison) and committees (campus facility use, athletic board, transportation management, neighborhood relations). In addition, Nelson executed post-season team logistics/travel, developed comprehensive facility rental and scheduling plans, prepared annual/event budgets, negotiated financial settlements with external clients, collaborated on facility security and emergency operations plans, and participated in the design and development of renovated and new athletic department facilities. He also managed the Badger Desert Classic, an annual fundraising event that took place in Las Vegas, NV and generated donor contributions to support student-athlete scholarships and capital projects. He also volunteered his time working at multiple NFL Super Bowls and Big Ten Championship Football Games.
Prior to his career in collegiate athletics, Nelson graduated from the United States Air Force Academy and served seven years in the United States Air Force as a Captain and Logistics Officer. While in the Air Force, he also earned his MBA from the University of Phoenix.
Originally from Sun Prairie, WI, Nelson and his wife, Liesl, currently reside in St Paul with their dog Penny.
