Barbara Nelson

Chief of Staff

Biography

After many years in the Financial Services industry, Barbara joined RSM US LLP in 2018, where she held positions in Tax, innovation, strategy, and client experience. In January 2025, Barbara moved to RSM International to apply her particular skill set to ensure the adoption of and adherence to RSM’s global strategy.

As Chief of Staff, Barbara’s responsibilities focus on achieving RSM’s global strategy by providing guidance, tracking progress, and measuring initiatives and activities to ensure its full realisation. Barbara's role also involves fostering a more collaborative approach to the work being undertaken, both internally at the Global Executive Office and across the Network as a whole. This includes reviewing the effectiveness and consistency of operational approaches and making recommendations where required.

Outside of RSM, Barbara spends her time with her three granddaughters, who keep her busy with band and orchestra concerts, volleyball games, and gymnastics tournaments. She has developed a newfound passion for travelling the world and aims to take one international trip each year. When she has a moment to herself, she enjoys the cathartic nature of gardening, exercising her creative side, and assisting her children with their home improvement projects.

“At the end of the day, my role is to ensure the entire Network, including the GEO, is performing at peak performance.”

Career Timeline

2025 – Chief of Staff - RSM International
2024 – Enterprise Client Experience Operations and Execution Lead - RSM US
2022 – Director, Strategy Office - RSM US
2020 – Director, Innovation and Strategy -  RSM US
2018 – Project Manager, Tax Line of Business – RSM US
2008 – Marketing Manager – RBC Wealth Management
1989 – various business and technology positions at American Express/Ameriprise Financial