Tom Nelson and Usher Raymond IV

Thomas C. Nelson is AARP's Chief Operating Officer. In addition to overall association leadership responsibilities, Mr. Nelson oversees State and National Initiatives, Operations, and Membership. He is responsible for AARP's key operations including publications, research, advocacy, community service and field delivery capabilities, and membership development, all of which further AARP's goal of being the leading organization for social responsibility.

Mr. Nelson joined AARP in 1980 as Manager of Consumer Affairs, and in that position established AARP's consumer program. In 1982, he assumed the additional responsibility for AARP's health activities. From 1984 to1990, he was Director of AARP's Program Department that was responsible for the Association's educational and community service programs. In 1990 he became Director of the Field Services Division and was named Associate Executive Director of State and National Initiatives in 1999.

His many contributions include the expansion of AARP's state capacity, strengthening of the advocacy team, development of the volunteer ranks, and growth of AARP's community service efforts.

Prior to joining AARP, Mr. Nelson was at the University of Southern California Andrus Gerontology Center. From 1973 to 1977, he was a staff member of the Federal Trade Commission, where he worked on the investigation and subsequent regulation of the funeral industry, as well as inquiries related to nursing homes and other consumer issues facing the elderly.

Mr. Nelson has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Union College, a Master of Arts degree from Columbia University, and Doctoral degree from the University of Southern California.


Beyond the 35 million albums he has sold worldwide, his five Grammy Awards, multiple NAACP Image Awards, his Trumpet Award and countless others, Usher Raymond IV has achieved what few other contemporary entertainers have been able to accomplish.

Still under thirty years of age, Usher has created a network of successful enterprises that express his passion for music, business and social activism.

From his Usher's New Look charity to his own record label, the creation of his own men’s and women’s fragrances, his part-ownership of the Cleveland Cavaliers basketball team, and his involvement with a chain of Atlanta restaurants known as The Grape, Usher’s skills as a forward-thinking young entrepreneur reflect the same disciplined approach he has taken as an entertainer. For the Tennessee-born, Atlanta-raised performer, songwriter and producer, Usher’s goal has always been about his legacy – both in the spotlight and in the community.

In 1999, Usher used his star power to form Usher's New Look, a non-profit organization designed to reach talented youth from diverse socio-economic backgrounds and provide them with a chance to learn firsthand about the business side of the sports and entertainment industries. It has grown to be his greatest passion. In the past four years, New Look has mentored over 1,300 disadvantaged youth from across the country through Camp New Look, a free two-week residential program. Many campers have gone on to participate in the Mogul VIP program, which puts youth on a career exploration path by providing them with internships, mentoring and shadowing opportunities.

In 2008, Usher announced the e-learning education podcast series Usher's uCast , created to extend the reach of the New Look mission beyond those youth attending the two-week camp. Since its launch, nearly 500,000 individuals have downloaded the series.

This year, in an effort to mobilize voters in this historic presidential election, Usher launched the "I Can't but You Can" voter registration campaign geared towards youth ages 17 and under. Participants complete a four-hour educational curriculum on the voting process before going out into the community to register first time voters. The campaign is projected to educate more than 3,500 youth and register 17,000 voters nationally by the end of the year.

Usher has continued his long-term commitment to help rebuild the Gulf Coast, which began with a national service call to action via a 32-city satellite media tour with Hands On Network, which reached millions of Americans. He successfully raised funds with his Project Restart Concert and, through a partnership with Armani Exchange, helped over 750 families re-establish housing through rent and utility assistance and provided over 1,200 youth and families with food and clothing.

During his first visit to the storm-ravaged communities of Louisiana and Mississippi, Usher made a commitment to its residents to focus on the rebuilding efforts long-term and to be their voice in the community. As part of that commitment, Usher travels to the Gulf Coast annually to survey rebuilding efforts and lead various service projects including home and school renovations.

In spring of 2008, Mayor Nagin awarded Usher the key to the city of New Orleans and named June 26th as Usher Raymond IV and New Look Foundation Day. For more information, please visit www.ushersnewlook.org.