Trisha Nelson brings a blend of grit, heart, and curiosity to her work at Smarty. With a degree in recreational resource management, she once imagined a future in highway patrol. Life took her down a different path, beginning with DNR (Department of Natural Resources) wildlife work and eventually leading her into the world of youth sports nonprofits. During her 5 years there, she helped shepherd the organization through major growth while raising her growing family, learning firsthand how to lead with resilience and intention.

Her career has never been linear, and that’s something she embraces. When she set out to learn medical coding on the fly, she approached it with scrappiness and determination—traits she credits to her parents, both of whom taught her the value of giving her all, no matter the title or task. When the world shifted and AI reshaped the field just as she was preparing for her licensure exam, Trisha took it as a sign to look for something new. Smarty’s culture caught her eye immediately, and during her interviews, she felt a series of unmistakable nudges that this was exactly where she was meant to be. Beneath a quiet first impression is someone warm, open, and deeply driven by connection.

To Trisha, good work is simply an extension of how she lives: staying present, staying grateful, and leaving a lasting impression through effort and authenticity. After years of six-day workweeks, she has learned to fiercely protect the people who matter most—especially her four children, who remain the center of her world and her greatest source of pride. Continuous learning, curiosity, and a “leave the door open” mindset shape everything she does, and she approaches each day determined to be a strong, capable “boss woman” in whatever role she takes on.