Get to know Nelson J. Fowlkes, the author of “Overcoming Adversity: Resetting Goals”
“This book is dedicated to the readers who face barriers that adversely impact the attainment of their goals and dreams. However, through self-confidence, courage, self-reliance and using the most appropriate strategies and tactics you will be able to move forward and be successful..”
-Author Nelson J. Fowlkes
This offers everyone who reads it the chance to learn more about the author of this masterpiece, “Overcoming Adversity: Resetting Goals.” May the author’s life story inspire readers as much as the book’s message does, as it inspires their hearts and minds.
Nelson J. Fowlkes is a retired Lt. Colonel who served twenty years in the United States Army Medical Service Corps. He earned master’s degrees in biochemistry and public administration. He also earned professional certificates in gerontology and conflict resolution.
After retirement, he completed two careers in healthcare. As a strategic planning and marketing executive at St. Agnes Medical Center, Fresno, he co-authored the five-year strategic plan for a medical center in Merced. While serving as Director of ambulatory Services at St. Francis Medical Center, Lynwood, he managed nine primary care clinics located in southeast Los Angeles communities.
Fowlkes is the co-author of a corporate health risk management program published in the Journal of Healthcare Marketing. One of his most consequential achievements was the design and creation of a Territorial Management System (TSS), an innovative approach applying traditional risk management to the health of an employee group for which the Library of Congress issued a Certificate of Recognition.
He was appointed adjunct professor at the University of San Francisco, College of Professional Studies, in 1984, and at California State University, Fresno, in 1985. At both universities, he instructed adult working students who desired to improve their knowledge and skills in healthcare marketing and delivery of healthcare services.
He established the Fowlkes Development Group 1992, a private consulting service company, to help healthcare organizations plan for the development and expansion of industrial health clinics and worker’s rehabilitation programs.
In 2004, the presiding judge of Riverside County Superior Court appointed him to serve on the Riverside County Civil Grand Jury for the 2004–2005 term. In California, a civil grand jury performs oversight functions for county government and inquires from the community about elected officials and other organizations concerning any misconduct. He was reappointed to serve a total of three two-year terms (2004–2012). The presiding judge recognized his leadership on the grand jury with the appointment to serve as foreperson for the 2011–2012 term.
Fowlkes expressed his adventurous spirit through cycling and traveling. In 1990, while living in Fresno, cycling became his passion. He acquired better equipment and improved his cycling skills by participating in longer and more challenging fund-raising cycling events. After moving to southern California, he affiliated with a popular Riverside cycling club and expanded his cycling skills to include century-long and multi-day rides. Expansion of the passion continued with cycling events in New Hampshire, Alaska, Jamaica, and St. Maarten.
Cruising became a favorite pastime in 2007, when he and his wife started PJS Travel Connection, LLC, a travel agency that focused on serving clients who enjoyed cruising. Over a period of fourteen years, he visited cities on four continents, including Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, and South America. Today, he lives in Dublin, California.