Foundation Staff

VICTOR NELSON, MSW, MBA
Executive Director

As Executive Director of the Kenneth A. Picerne Foundation, Victor Nelson is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the Foundation and helping design, develop and sustain its programs.

Victor is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) with more than 20 years experience working with multidisciplinary social service organizations that serve youth, families, and adults.  He has spent his career in the non-profit sector directing and developing programs, providing clinical leadership, and as a direct service provider.  Prior to joining the Foundation in 2005, Victor was with San Diego Center for Children for 12 years where he most recently served as Clinical Director. While there, he managed and provided clinical leadership for several multidisciplinary programs serving children and families facing severe behavioral, emotional, social, and educational challenges. He developed relationships with both public and private funders to develop new programs and expand services for the entire organization and the clients it served.  He also secured resources and implemented a comprehensive organizational development program that involved clinical staff training, management training, and executive coaching for the leadership of the organization.

Victor has a Masters degree in Social Work from San Diego State University and a Masters Degree in Business Administration from Webster University.  He received his B.A. in Psychology from University of California, Santa Barbara.

KENNETH M. GOLDEN, MSW, Ed.D.
Senior Advisor

Dr. Kenneth M. Golden is Senior Advisor for the Foundation.  His responsibilities include creating and developing new programs, providing strategic leadership and executive development.

As President of Golden Professional Corporation, Dr. Golden has provided organizational development and executive development within the for-profit and nonprofit sectors for over 20 years. Dr. Golden’s consulting practice has focused on change leadership and the professionalization of expanding entrepreneurial organizations.  He is Visiting Professor of Management at Webster University in St. Louis, Missouri and has consulted and taught throughout the U.S. and Europe, as well as in Thailand and Japan.

In addition, Dr. Golden is a licensed clinical social worker and has provided direct clinical services to youth, adults and families. He has served as a management trainer and consultant for human service and health care organizations including the National Institute of Mental Health.  At San Diego State University he served as Assistant Dean in the College of Health and Human Services and has been an Adjunct Professor in both the Schools of Social Work and Business.
Graduating Phi Beta Kappa from Tulane University, Dr. Golden earned a Masters degree in Social Work and a Doctorate in Education.  He is an Eagle Scout and a former United States Peace Corps Volunteer, having served in Ghana, West Africa, as an instructor in a teacher training college.