Lacey Nelson was born and raised in Sacramento. A Hiram Johnson High School 2002 graduate, she continued her education at Sacramento City College earning two associate degrees (Social Science and Liberal Studies) before graduating in 2009 from California State University Sacramento with a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice. While working for the Sacramento County Probation Department, Lacey put herself through the police academy to fulfill one of her life-long goals of becoming a law enforcement officer. 

Since being hired in 2012 with a large Northern California Sheriff's Office, she has worked in correctional facilities, with the Media and Community Relations Division, patrol, and is currently a Sergeant. She was awarded for her dedication to excellence in law enforcement as Law Enforcement's Officer of the Year for 2018-2019. Lacey earned her Master's Degree from The Pennsylvania State University in 2022. 

In 2018, Lacey moved to Plumas Lake, drawn by its smaller, close-knit community and active citizen involvement. She saw great potential for growth and development in both Olivehurst and Plumas Lake. Her commitment to shaping the future of her community led her to run for a seat on the OPUD Board of Directors in November 2020, a position she was re-elected to in 2024.

Lacey is also a public speaker and the founder of her business, CONNECT, which aims to teach people how to build deeper, more meaningful relationships. Through her public speaking work, she has appeared on television and radio. Currently, she volunteers with the local 93Q Radio station and hosts a podcast called CONNECT, available on her social media channels.

Focused on fostering the growth and improvement of her community while maintaining public trust and support, Lacey is dedicated to making a lasting, positive impact.