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Nels Ackerson - 2002
Potomac, Maryland
B.S., Agricultural Economics, 1967
Founder and Chairman, The Ackerson Group
A Man for Many Cultures An attorney with a passion for international
travel, Nels Ackerson was the ideal candidate to lead an intricate cross-cultural
charge: Establishment of
Egypt's first American law office--Sidley & Austin & Naguib--in 1982.
Equally important to the legal landmark, however, were the personal experiences
and impressions Ackerson gained through three years in the Middle East.
"
Living and working in Egypt was completely unlike anything I've done before," he
says. "There's so much to understand about a culture that goes back 4,000
years. Sites such as the Temple of Karnak ruins display signs of a civilization
impossible to imagine in terms of intellect and sophistication."
Visiting rural villages offered insights to the country as well. "The
level of near-destitute poverty of many village people was overwhelming," Ackerson
recalls. "But the character of those who wanted to rise above it was amazing.
Egypt is a poor country, but its people are very noble."
Ackerson also seized the opportunity to act as an ambassador of sorts. "Many
Egyptians have had great admiration for Americans in the past, but, in recent
years, that's shifted toward fear and misunderstanding. Too often, Egyptians
have found that the Americans in their presence didn't represent the high ideals
they expected. Too many Americans enter the country with arrogant or superior
attitudes, and they ignore Egyptian culture and traditions."
Ackerson's returned to Egypt several times, always reuniting with colleagues
and friends. "I've seen enough examples in career paths and policy changes
to know that my presence there has made a difference," he says. "Going
through such a rigorous, intense, and rewarding experience to create something
unique left me with very strong connections."
1967
B.S., Agricultural Economics, Purdue University
1971
M.S., Public Policy, Harvard University Juris Doctor, Harvard Law School
1971-1976
Attorney, Barnes, Hickam, Pantzer & Boyd, Indianapolis
1976-1979
United States Senate Staff: Chief Counsel of the U.S. Senate
Judiciary Committee's Subcommittee on Constitutional Amendments
Chief Counsel to the Subcommittee on the Constitution, Washington, D.C.
1979-1982
Partner, Campell, Kyle & Proffitt, Noblesville and Carmel, Indiana
1982-1991
Partner, Sidley & Austin, Washington, D.C.
1991-present
Founder and Chairman, The Ackerson Group, Washington, D.C.
“The
Purdue School of Agriculture shaped my career plans and opportunities. I was
constantly inspired to do my best, and I received a great deal of encouragement.
In addition to a great interest in public policy, the school offered close relationships
and a family-type culture not common in large universities."
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