Born in Lewiston, Idaho; attended St. Stanislaus Grade School, Maru a Pula Secondary School in Botswana; graduate of Orofino High School; B.S. in communications, University of Idaho; Leadership Idaho Agriculture; College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, University of Idaho, advisory board; University of Idaho Cooperative Extension, advisory board; James A. McClure Center, advisory board; Idaho Rural Partnership, board of directors; owner of nonprofit consulting firm Nilsson Advisory Group; spouse: David.