Cortney Nelson, MBA

Cortney Nelson got her career start in the world of pharmacy working as the lead pharmacy technician for Bengal Pharmacy for three years. She then transferred to Snake River Long Term Pharmacy where she served for two years, before transferring to Hawaii Pacific Health as a medical legal coordinator. She explained that making the decision to move to Hawaii and leave everything familiar behind was something very challenging for her. And while the experience didn’t unfold how she expected, she looks back on it now as a meaningful lesson in strength and perseverance.
“I faced moments of uncertainty and isolation that pushed me far outside my comfort zone,” she said. “Deciding to leave, swallow my pride and start over was incredibly difficult, but it became one of the most defining moments of my life. Through that experience, I developed resilience, independence and a strong sense of self-trust. That chapter continues to shape how I show up today, approaching challenges with adaptability, confidence and the belief that growth often comes from starting again.”
After returning to Idaho in 2022, Nelson began her role at Valley Family Health Care, where she still serves. Since then, she’s put her passion and natural leadership ability to good use. Some of her significant accomplishments include managing the mobile access clinic to complete nearly 500 free sports physicals for local children and assisting leadership to open four in-house pharmacies.
“In my opinion and experience, effective and inspirational leadership begins with compassion and respect,” Nelson said. “Through that, I aim to create an environment that not only stimulates growth in those I lead but also in myself. My goal is to create a meaningful impact within the workplace and communities I serve. Feedback is your friend; learn to seek it out and learn from it.”
Nelson said that some of her biggest influences include Ken Hart, CEO of Valley Family, and Mary Van Hoozer, general manager at SunRX.
“I respect Ken’s way of leading Valley Family,” she said. “He has changed the organizational culture by holding people accountable and setting clear expectations. Mary leads SunRX with effortless grace and compassion. I look up to Mary in the way she balances her career and family.”
Nelson added that advice Van Hoozer gave her was to be present “when at work, be present and engaged, when at home be present and engaged, with your family and spouse. Everyone can tell when you are not, and they deserve better.”
But when it comes to the most profound impact on her life, Nelson said her parents rise to the top.
“In 1996, they built Middle Fork Aviation from nothing more than a passion for backcountry flying and determination,” she shared. “Watching them grow that dream into a thriving business, celebrating 30 years this September, has shaped my understanding of resilience, work ethic and integrity. My parents didn’t just build a successful business, they instilled a standard of leadership and character that continues to guide how I show up in both my career and my life.”
Away from her day-to-day work, Nelson serves as a board member for Fruitland Chamber of Commerce. Her future personal goals include becoming a mom and achieving home ownership. Professionally, she wants to continue to develop and refine her leadership skills and hopes to someday step into the c-suite. She also aims to mentor others, guiding and empowering future leaders.
“What sets me apart from my peers is my ability to learn not only from my own experiences but also from the mistakes and successes of others,” she said. “I am always seeking feedback, suggestions or advice from my coworkers, employees and superiors in an effort to improve.”