Our Staff

Principals

David J. Nelson
Founder and President David Nelson has extensive management and clinical experience, with more than 20 years of executive coaching and career transition consulting experience with organizations and key leaders in the United States and Canada. Previously, David served as principal with local, regional and national outplacement firms, providing career transition (outplacement) services. David earned a masters degree from the University of Minnesota and a bachelor of arts degree from St. Olaf College. He regularly works with key leaders in healthcare institutions; medical groups; law firms; research, scientific and academic institutions; retail; manufacturing; and other companies.

As the market and our economy continue
to cause everyone concern, DNA continues to be
a valued resource to our corporate clients and
to their leaders as they face new and often very
stressful work and career challenges.
—David Nelson

Arnie Ohaks
Vice President Arnie Ohaks has been a leader in expanding DNA’s career management and leadership investment services. Recognized by corporate clients as a trusted partner and excellent service provider, Arnie has more than 17 years of experience in career transition, coaching and outplacement services for executives, senior managers, technical and professional-level employees. Prior to joining DNA, Arnie played key leadership roles with regional and national consulting firms, including The Brighton Group/OI Partners for 12 years. Arnie holds a masters degree from Yale University and a bachelors degree from St. Olaf College.

Our passion and focus at DNA continues
to be leadership and career health: helping leaders
be at their best and manage their careers well, helping
organizations address timely and sensitive leadership
issues that need attention, and helping organizations
use their key talent wisely and well. It is exciting,
challenging and deeply gratifying work and
we are fortunate to be able to partner with
great organizations and exceptional
professionals and leaders.
—Arnie Ohaks