Clay Nelson

About Clay Nelson

I work at the intersection of GitHub, Microsoft, and technology partners like Arm to help regulated industries modernize how they build software. My focus is creating blueprints that let developers move fast without sacrificing safety or compliance. Right now, that means a heavy concentration in automotive and industrial manufacturing—where software supply chains are complex, standards are strict, and collaboration has never been more critical.As Head of Industry Solutions Strategy at GitHub, I align GitHub’s platform with Microsoft’s industry teams, leading service providers, and partners like Arm to turn those challenges into developer-led opportunities for growth and transformation.Before this role, I managed GitHub’s Central America, Canada, and LATAM markets. Over the past 22+ years, I’ve helped organizations improve the quality and speed of software delivery through a mix of consultative sales, strategic partnerships, and hands-on leadership. My background includes leading sales and services at IBM Rational Software, serving as CTO of a Cox Enterprise–funded startup, directing technology at USWeb/CKS, and working as an independent consultant. I’ve spoken at international conferences, published on Lean Thinking and culture, and always aimed to connect technology strategy with real business outcomes.I hold an MBA in Organizational Development and Change from Georgia State University and studied Computer Information Systems at Jacksonville State University and the University of Alabama at Birmingham.Outside of work, I’m a semi-professional magician, artist, and music lover. I’ve found that creativity—whether on stage, in the studio, or at home—helps me connect, tell stories, and bring energy to every part of my life. I’m also the proud dad of three amazing kids and one pretty awesome dog.

Experience

1. Ww Industry Solutions Strategy Lead

   GitHub

   Sep 2023 — Present · Atlanta, GA, US

   As the Global Head of Industry Solutions at GitHub, I am responsible for bridging the gap between industry-specific needs and the capabilities of the GitHub platform and ecosystem. This new function within GitHub will shape GTM strategy and aid clients and GitHub client facing roles in shaping the future of how businesses leverage GitHub in an AI-driven, cloud-native landscape.

Education

• Jacksonville State University

  B.S., Computer Information Systems

• MIT Sloan School of Management

  Digital Transformation Platform Strategies Certification , Business Strategy

  2019 — 2019

• Georgia State University

  MBA, Organizational Development

  2003 — 2006

Skills

• Business Transformation
• Professional Services
• Z/Os
• Soa
• Git
• Bitcoin
• Culture Change
• Saas
• Software Project Management
• Crm
• Iterative
• Uml
• Devops
• Software Development
• Scrum
• Rup
• Software Industry
• Rational Team Concert
• Agile
• Agile Methodologies
• Management
• Solution Selling
• Lean Manufacturing
• Pre-Sales
• Github
• Software Measurement
• Payment Systems
• Sdlc
• Solution Architecture
• Requirements Management
• IT Strategy
• Metrics
• Coaching
• Websphere
• Requirements Analysis
• Risk Engineering
• Cloud Computing
• Zseries
• Outsourcing
• Mainframe