Major Dan Nelson
Divisional Commander
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Led by Divisional Commanders Lt. Colonels Allan and Fiona Hofer, The Salvation Army Potomac Division works across Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia. Across the Blue Ridge to the Tidewater, from Appalachia to the shores of the Atlantic, the Division includes 53 Corps plus Service Extensions that are managed by 112 officers and 780 employees. In 2023, more than 521,000 individuals were served through emergency assistance, rehabilitation programs, food pantries, children and youth character-building programs, sheltering, youth camp, feeding programs, Christmas assistance, rental and utility assistance, and pastoral care.
Our work is funded through kettle donations, corporate contributions, and the sale of goods donated to our Salvation Army Thrift Stores. Eighty-two cents of every dollar we receive supports the community. We are a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization, and contributions are deductible for Federal Income Tax Purposes to the extent permitted under Section 170(b)(2) for corporations.
Major Sarah Nelson
Divisional Leader for Mission Advancement
Divisional Leadership
The Potomac Division welcomed Majors Dan and Sarah Nelson to the Division on June 26, 2023. In June 2025, they were appointed Divisional Commanders.
Before joining the Potomac Division, the Nelsons served as Area Commanders of The Salvation Army of Metro Tulsa, where they oversaw the Center of Hope, five Salvation Army Boys & Girls Clubs, four service centers, and three corps. Before Tulsa, the Nelsons served as Area Commanders/ Corps Officers of The Salvation Army of Knoxville. They gave oversight to the mission and ministry of The Salvation Army in Knoxville, Sevierville, and Maryville, Tennessee. Their previous appointments together were at Territorial Headquarters in Atlanta, GA (as Territorial Candidate Secretaries and Territorial Youth Secretaries) and Danville, Kentucky as Corps Officers. Sarah also held appointments at Evangeline Booth College in Atlanta and in St. Petersburg, FL.
Dan was ordained and commissioned as a Salvation Army officer in 2008, and Sarah in 2004. Dan holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Western Illinois University and a Master of Arts in Religion from Trevecca Nazarene University. Sarah holds a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Ministries from Trevecca Nazarene University and is presently working on a Master of Arts in Religion through Trevecca.
The Nelsons have two children and one cat (Tucker). Their daughter, Hannah is serving as the Creative Arts Director for the Florida Division. The Nelson’s son, Nolan is in 12th grade. He’s a great student, an amazing musician, and has a heart for others.
Dan’s hobbies include running, using productivity tools, and outdoor recreation. Sarah enjoys long walks, meaningful/connecting conversations, planning parties and events, and cooking as little as possible. Together, they love to travel and spend time with family.
Our New Location, Where it All Began
The Salvation Army Potomac Division moved into its new divisional headquarters building at 1555 King Street, Alexandria, in April 2023. For more than 20 years, The Salvation Army had divisional headquarters on the edge of Georgetown in Washington, DC. The move allowed us to create a space that better meets our needs and the way we work today, including flexible, collaborative work areas for our staff.
It is fitting that The Salvation Army returned to Old Town, because it was at 316 King Street, where the town square and fountain now stand, that our work in the region began in 1885. A plaque marks the spot where our first services in Alexandria took place, a humble beginning that set the foundation for the expansion of our mission throughout Washington, D.C., and beyond.
Our Mision
The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church.
Its message is based on the Bible.
Its ministry is motivated by the love of God.
Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.
What We Offer
The Salvation Army understands that needs vary greatly from community to community, and family to family. Because of this, we are dedicated to poverty alleviation efforts and provide a wide range of basic needs services. On a local level, we offer food, shelter, and housing assistance, case management, financial assistance, youth programs, adult rehabilitation services, spiritual support, and much more. Find The Salvation Army in your area for assistance.