Candace Nelson

Candace Nelson is an accomplished marketing professional based in Charleston, West Virginia. She currently serves as the Director of Marketing & Communications at Capitol Market, a position she assumed in September 2023.1 With over 15 years of experience in journalism, public relations, advertising, and communications, Nelson has worked across various sectors including higher education, government, and nonprofits.

Professional Background

Nelson's career highlights include:

• Current Roles:

  • Director of Marketing & Communications at Capitol Market (since September 2023)
  • Columnist for the Charleston Gazette-Mail (since August 2016)
  • Adjunct professor at the University of Charleston (since January 2018)

• Previous Positions:

  • Marketing Director at YWCA Charleston
  • Director of Marketing at Girl Scouts of Black Diamond Council
  • Digital Marketing Coordinator at West Virginia Tourism Office
  • Instructor and Social Media Editor at West Virginia University

Education and Achievements

Nelson holds multiple degrees from West Virginia University:

• Bachelor of Science in Journalism (focus on news-editorial, minor in business administration)
• Bachelor of English (concentration in professional writing and editing, minor in Native American studies)
• Master of Science in Journalism

She has received notable recognition for her work:

• Named a "Young Gun" by West Virginia Executive Magazine
• Selected for "Generation Next: 40 Under 40" by The State Journal
• Alumna of the Leadership West Virginia Class of 2019

Additional Roles and Interests

Beyond her primary career, Nelson is actively involved in various professional and community organizations:

• Board member for Capitol Market, West Virginia Farmers Market Association, Generation West Virginia, and Metro Valley Society
• Member of WELD Charleston, Junior League of Charleston, Charleston Restaurant Week, and Public Relations Society of America

Nelson is also an author, having written "The West Virginia Pepperoni Roll," and maintains a food blog called "Candace Lately." She is known for her passion for exploring West Virginia's culinary scene and sharing her experiences through her writing and social media presence.