Kirk Nelson is the Chief Engineer for the Architect of the Capitol (AOC). As the Chief Engineer, he has primary responsibility for master planning, building performance audits, retro-commissioning and facility condition assessments. The Office of the Chief Engineer also manages the energy and sustainability program, provides project-funded, in-house construction services, supports critical Capitol campus systems, and oversees enterprise asset management and building automation systems.

Nelson previously served at the AOC from 2020 through 2023 as the Deputy Superintendent of House Office Buildings, where he was the advisor to the Superintendent on all aspects of facilities management, asset management, construction, maintenance, acquisition and subway operation.

Professional Experience

Prior to re-joining the AOC, Nelson was the Director of Space and Building Management at the Department of Commerce. In this role, he oversaw all facility management, services, space management and safety for the Herbert C. Hoover Building.

Nelson has also served as the Director of Engineering and Logistics at the White House Military Office for Plans, Policy, and Requirements. He was responsible for the command's facilities and infrastructure worldwide, including operation of classified and unclassified programs. He was integral in all continuity of operations and continuity of government activities. He led a team of over 200 military officers, enlisted, Department of Defense civilians and contractors in construction management, facility maintenance, engineering, budgeting, warehouse and inventory management.

From 2012 through 2017, Nelson held the position of Assistant Chief of Staff for Installation and Environmental for Marine Corps Installations National Capital Region/Marine Corps Base Quantico. In this position, he directed over 450 personnel in the installation Facilities, Environmental, and Family Housing Departments, impacting over $5 billion in plant property and $250 million of yearly construction and support services.

Nelson's previous positions include Business Director and Asset Management Business Line Coordinator for Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Europe, Africa and Southwest Asia in Naples, Italy; Director of Facilities Programs for Commander Naval Installations Command; Business Line Manager of Contingency Engineering at NAVFAC Headquarters; and Deputy Public Works Officer at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton.

Education

Nelson holds a master's degree in Business Administration from Boston University and a bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Washington. Additionally, he is a registered professional engineer in Virginia.