Cassandra Nelson has worked in a variety leadership roles in the media and communications sectors for numerous blue chip? multinational firms including: The Conde Nast Publications, Merrill Lynch, Price Waterhouse LLP, Apple Computer, and Oracle. She has a unique combination of skills and expertise ranging from journalist/photographer/producer to Public Relations and international humanitarian aid. Currently, Ms. Nelson is the Senior Global Media and Communications Officer for Mercy Corps, an international NGO. She is responsible for developing and implementing communication strategies to increase Mercy Corps' visibility and strengthen the organization's reputation. Her core responsibilities include managing press relations and acting as spokesperson, producing video documentaries and b-roll footage for distribution, and contributing articles and photographs to websites and various publications During the 2001 war in Afghanistan, she founded and managed Project Kallay, an NGO focused on rebuilding schools in Eastern Afghanistan. This organization rebuilt 8 schools in Nangahar and Kunar provinces and deliver food items to numerous refugee camps. She also worked as a freelance journalist/photojournalist during the Afghan war, based in Jalalabad, Afghanistan, for companies including NBC, BBC, Scholastic, and the European Broadcasting Union. Prior to the Afghan war, Ms. Nelson served as the Executive Television Producer for the South Asian Federation sporting games in Islamabad, Pakistan. Previously, Ms. Nelson was a Vice President at Merrill Lynch in New York City, where she was responsible developing communications and media campaigns. In this capacity she developed the strategy and oversaw the design and implementation of the firm's first global internet website. Before Merrill Lynch, Ms. Nelson was Editor-in-Chief of PHYS, a Conde Nast Publications website for which she developed the business plan and oversaw brand, editorial content and strategic partnerships. Earlier in her career, Ms. Nelson was Editor for SELF Magazine, also a Conde Nast Publication. She has served as the Co-anchor on NewsTalk, a cable television news program in New York City. Ms. Nelson was also a Principal Consultant in the Entertainment and Media Group at Price Waterhouse LLP. In this capacity she oversaw the development of communication and media concepts for client companies that included MCA/Universal Pictures, Sony Pictures and Microsoft. She started her career at Oracle Corporation and Apple Computer, Inc., where she developed communication products for marketing and internal communications. Ms. Nelson received a B.A. from Stanford University and a Masters certificate in Management of Communications and Publications from the University of California.