Joshua Nelms serves as the Sales Leader – Agency Management for State Farm, where he oversees nearly 50 agencies across the Puget Sound territory. Born and raised in Columbus, Ohio, Joshua’s commitment to service and leadership was shaped early on by his parents—his mother’s career at Nationwide Insurance, his father’s small plumbing business, and their active involvement in their local church. Their example instilled in him a strong work ethic and a deep passion for community impact.
He studied Business Management at Tennessee State University before Honorably serving in the United States Army as a surgical technologist. With 17 years of experience in the financial services industry, Joshua holds multiple investment and insurance licenses and has earned several prestigious industry and company honors, including both Puget Sound and San Diego Business Journal 40 Under 40, and the Urban League Young Professionals Honors Awards.
Joshua brings to the United Way Board of Directors a wealth of professional expertise and a heartfelt dedication to community engagement. He actively supports several nonprofits, leads financial literacy initiatives through his church, and volunteers as a youth football coach—roles through which he fosters empowerment and opportunity for individuals and families.
Joshua lives in the Puget Sound area with his beautiful wife, Ashley, and their seven-year-old son, Micah. They are joyfully expecting their second child. His unwavering commitment to family, community, and professional excellence will be a valuable asset to the United Way’s mission of creating lasting, positive impact and ending poverty for 15,000+ Washingtonians.