OMAHA, NE.- At a recent meeting of the Joslyn Art Museum board of governors, current chairman James R. Young announced his retirement from the post he has held since January 2007. He is succeeded by John P. Nelson, chairman and chief executive officer of SilverStone Group, a risk management and consulting organization. Young, who is president and chief executive officer of Union Pacific Corporation, will now lead the Joslyn Art Museum Foundation Board.

“Jim Young's leadership on behalf of Joslyn Art Museum has been invigorating and insightful," said Joslyn executive director and CEO Jack Becker, Ph.D. "He has worked to bring his enthusiasm, reputation for excellence, and professionalism to bear on the Museum during his four years as chairman of our board and now with the Foundation. Continuing the great tradition of board governance at Joslyn is John Nelson. John’s belief in fostering inquiry and his encouragement of open, honest communication on all matters make him ideal for his new role with the Museum. I am delighted to be working with him."

"Serving in this capacity for our state's largest art museum is an honor, and I look forward to working with the members of the board, Jack Becker, and the rest of the Museum staff," noted John Nelson. "Joslyn is ever-evolving, and keeping the board's level of engagement and connection with the institution will be our commitment. I believe in healthy debate and clear communication between board leadership and the Museum staff, and I look forward to the great things we can do together."

A recognized business leader and entrepreneur, John is the second generation of the Nelson family to head what is known as SilverStone Group. His first experience in business was literally as a young child, when his parents had just opened Nelson Insurance and he and his brother rode in the car when their father called on clients. After serving as an officer in the US Navy, John joined Nelson Insurance in 1965. He has since served as President of The Redland Group (the holding company of Nelson Insurance) and SilverStone Group. His experience also includes serving as the COO of six insurance companies.

John is a member of many professional associations, such as Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriters, Chief Executives' Organization, Nebraska Presidents' Organization and World Presidents' Organization. He also serves on numerous boards, including Bellevue University, Doane College, and United Way. Because of his active service participation throughout the area, John has earned several prestigious awards, including the Boy Scouts of America Citizen of the Year Award and the United Way Citizen of the Year award. He was named to the Omaha Business Hall of Fame and inducted into the Nebraska Hall of Fame in 2010. He received an Honorary Doctorate of Commerce from Bellevue University in 2000, and was the 2003 King of Aksarben. He is a graduate of Carleton College (Northfield, MN).