Nelson Colón is the Chief of the Regulatory and Operations Division for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Caribbean District, where he oversees critical regulatory and operational initiatives across Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. His leadership guides the execution of the Corps’ regulatory program and the management of federal navigation channels vital to the region’s infrastructure and economic activity.
Based in Puerto Rico, the Caribbean District is responsible for a multi-billion-dollar civil works portfolio and plays a strategic role in military construction, permitting, navigation, emergency response, and interagency collaboration across the Caribbean.
Mr. Colón brings more than 35 years of professional experience in environmental management, project delivery, and natural resource stewardship. Since joining the Corps of Engineers in 2001, he has held various roles including biologist with the Antilles Regulatory Section, planner with the Jacksonville District’s Planning Division, and Natural Resources Program Manager in Operations. His work has spanned diverse regions including Florida, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands, contributing to the success of civil works projects and environmental compliance.
Prior to his federal service, Mr. Colón gained valuable experience in the public and private sectors, including tenure with the Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources.
He earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology from the Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico and maintains professional credentials as a Registered Environmental Manager with the National Registry of Environmental Professionals.