Carter Nelson

Carter joins WMFHA as our new Public Affairs Manager, having returned to Washington earlier this year after working in local politics in California. Most recently she worked for Lighthouse Public Affairs, a firm specializing in lobbying and strategic planning, where she represented clients on a variety of issues. Her work at Lighthouse included helping lead a successful campaign to ban flavored tobacco products on behalf of Tobacco Free Kids. She has broad experience working on political campaigns, independent expenditures and relationship building at all levels of government.

Prior to working for Lighthouse Public Affairs, Carter worked for the Sacramento Association of Realtors as their Government Affairs Coordinator. Carter’s primary expertise is in housing policy, specifically in advocating for legislation that encourages housing development and homeownership and protects private property rights. She brings a background in advocacy efforts, fundraising, membership engagement and policy development to the Public Affairs Manager role.

Carter was born and raised in Washington, having lived in both Seattle and Kirkland. She earned her bachelor’s degree in political science and minor in pre-law from University of the Pacific in Stockton, CA. In her free time, Carter likes to try new restaurants, travel, cheer on Seattle sports teams (and the Sacramento Kings) and spend time outside.