Employee Spotlight: Kennedy Nilsson
We’re kicking off 2025 by highlighting Kennedy Nilsson, First Nation Group’s new Chief Executive Officer, as our January Employee Spotlight! With a distinguished military background and extensive leadership experience, Kennedy brings a wealth of knowledge and a unique perspective to our team.
Balancing his roles as a captain in the U.S. Army Reserves and a CEO leaves Kennedy with limited free time – when he does have a moment to relax, you’ll often find him on his farm, nurturing his animals and exotic fruit trees, and participating in extreme sports.
Learn more about Kennedy below:
What is a quote or affirmation you live by?
Aim high, there is little virtue in easy victory.
Do you have a charity that is near and dear to your heart? Who and why?
The Children’s Diagnostic and Treatment Center (CDTC) of Broward County – this is a clinic for children with disabilities from underserved families. They provide early childhood diagnostic services for all children in Broward County and if the child needs more care, they help connect them with the appropriate resources. Their devotion to the underserved in the community where we live and work cannot be understated.
What is a standout memory from working at First Nation Group?
An employee once shared how, when she first joined, she referred to First Nation Group as “you,” saying, “you are active in the community and Veteran causes.” After attending her first volunteer event, she began saying, “we are active in the community and Veteran causes.” This shift reflects the unique sense of purpose at First Nation Group. The mission can truly change you for the better – it certainly did for me!
What First Nation Group core value do you align with most?
I love them all. I think my favorite changes almost daily, but recently, I would say that it is “be accountable and collaborative.” I think about it in two parts. Being accountable, doing what you said you would do – I have a to-do list a mile long, but I am going to get it done. I view being accountable as “you can count on me.”
As far as being collaborative, it’s a personal goal of mine not to speak first or last in a group discussion. I want to listen before I speak, and I want to make sure that everyone is heard. As Vanilla Ice reminds us, “stop, collaborate, and listen!”
What do you love most about First Nation Group?
I admire the generous spirit here, with everyone working hard every day to positively impact the lives of Veterans, active-duty military, and underserved communities. It’s powerful when everyone has a strong “why” that drives them to do better each day for the greater good.