Date of Birth:
August 31, 1973

Residency in Alaska:
Lifelong Alaskan

Occupation:
Legislator

Spouse:
Joe Nelson

Children:
Conrad Qugpak Kapsner, Van Mutaq Kapsner, Job Taa’ssiq Nelson and Nora Shine Ikamtuk Nelson

Education:
University of Northern Colorado, 1991-94
University of Alaska Fairbanks, 1994-95
University of Alaska Southeast, 1995-97
University of Alaska Anchorage, 1997-98

Political and Government Positions:
Legislative Intern, Representative Irene Nicholia, 1996

Business and Professional Positions:
Community Health Representative
Rural Outreach Coordinator, Boys & Girls Club of America
Legislative Correspondent, ARCS Midday News
Political Commentator, Tundra Drums
Fisheries Technician, Alaska Department of Fish & Game

Membership:
Youth Representative, National Congress of American Indians, 1995-96; Wooch Een Native Organization; University of Alaska Southeast Founded Native American student organization; University of Northern Colorado, 1993

Special Interests:
Fishing, traveling, tribal government, and family.

Mary Nelson is a Yupik Eskimo from Bethel, Alaska. Her mother, Lizann, is from Kwethluk. Her father, Ward, came to Alaska as a teacher and commercial pilot. He raised his family in Kwethluk, Tuntutuliak, Platinum and Bethel.

Mary grew up fishing for subsistence and commercial salmon. During college she worked summers for the Department of Fish and Game as a herring and salmon technician.

Mary started college with an eye toward an elementary education degree. After working one legislative session in Juneau as a Legislative Intern, she re-focused her energies on political issues facing rural Alaska. In 1998 she was elected to represent House District 38, which includes the Yukon - Kuskokwim Delta.

In the Alaska Legislature Mary serves on the Finance Committee. She is a member of the budget subcommittee for the Department of Public Safety, the Department of Corrections, and the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development. She is Chair of the House Bush Caucus and serves on the boards of RurAL CAP and Alaska 20/20, as well as on the Kuskokwim Economic Development Council.