As the managing director and head of the asset management and financial principals coverage team for J.P. Morgan Private Bank in Connecticut, Justin Nelson manages a team of 20 employees and oversees $15 billion in client assets. It’s Nelson’s duty to help clients manage their wealth, offering guidance on portfolios, estate planning, banking, and cash management.
However, many affluent individuals want to do more than simply manage their money — they want to use it to improve the world. As a frequent volunteer with Tufts University and a sitting board member of the Breast Cancer Alliance, Nelson couldn’t agree more. The wealthy have a tremendous opportunity to give back, but you don’t need a trust fund to make a difference. In fact, Nelson believes it’s just as important to give time and energy to worthy causes, too.
Justin Nelson’s Philanthropic Philosophy
In his role at J.P. Morgan, Nelson emphasizes ethical investment and the importance of giving back to the community. He advises clients on philanthropic endeavors, helping them incorporate charitable giving into their strategic wealth planning. “There are a lot of people that I work with who want to give to charity but sometimes can’t figure out exactly where to give or how to structure their gifts, and they struggle with that,” he explains.
Nelson didn’t set out to get involved in charity work, but through his position with J.P. Morgan, he quickly connected with dozens of deserving charities. “I’ve met with a lot of different charities through my job. Personally, there are a couple that I’ve gotten involved in,” he explains.
For example, Nelson has volunteered with the Breast Cancer Alliance for 15 years. He doesn’t have a personal connection to breast cancer, but he felt moved by the organization’s cause and good works. It might sound unusual to get involved in a charity without a personal connection, but for Justin Nelson, it just makes sense. “It sounds kind of corny, but it feels good to give back to something where you feel like you’re making some level of impact,” he says. “It’s super rewarding. It touches so many people. I just find it to be really special. It’s a great group of people, and it’s been a lot of fun along the way.”
Justin Nelson Offers a Helping Hand at his Alma Mater
Nelson is also deeply committed to education and career development. The Tufts University graduate holds a Bachelor of Science in chemistry and economics and an MBA from Columbia University. Today, he pays that knowledge forward by recruiting undergraduates from Tufts University and helps them navigate the finance industry. His efforts have been instrumental in creating a finance minor and improving finance career resources at Tufts. Justin Nelson engages with students through events like the Finance Career Forum, providing mentorship and guidance to help them succeed.
“I get a lot out of it. People just need some help to navigate the process and get on the right path,” he says.
Engaging with Tufts students is definitely a perk for Justin Nelson, but he also enjoys the professional benefits of the arrangement. Through this work, he’s learned the value of hiring people with non-finance backgrounds, which contributed to the strong team he now manages at J.P. Morgan. “When I’m out looking to hire people, I actually couldn’t care less what your major is. I’m just looking for the right people,” he says.
Altruism plays a central role in Justin Nelson’s life and career. His commitment to giving back has profoundly influenced his personal and professional fulfillment, from his philanthropic work with the Breast Cancer Alliance to his contributions to education and career development. More than that, his experience shows how rewarding and professionally beneficial it is to be active in charities. Whether through donations of time or money, Justin Nelson believes everyone has something to offer, making a positive impact on society both locally and globally.
