Barnstable, MA — Nelson John Andrews Jr., longtime emergency management professional, community leader, and proud Mashpee Wampanoag Tribal member, announced his candidacy for Barnstable Town Council, Precinct 12.
If elected, Andrews would be the second Mashpee Wampanoag Tribal member ever to serve on the Barnstable Town Council, following the historic service of Harold Tobey of Precinct 8. Nelson would be the first in Precinct 12.
Raised in Mashpee and now living in Marstons Mills, Andrews and his wife have raised two sons in Barnstable. One is a senior at Barnstable High School, a former football player and current high-honors student, while the other is a sophomore at Cornell University, also a high-honors Barnstable graduate.
Andrews previously served as a Mashpee Wampanoag Tribal Council Member, and has over 20 years of emergency management experience at the federal, state, local, and tribal levels. His career includes:
• Former Director, FEMA National Incident Management Assistance Team
• FEMA Regional Tribal Liaison
• Tribal Government Official, FEMA National Advisory Council
• Graduate, FEMA National Emergency Management Advanced Academy
• Chairman, United South and Eastern Tribes (USET) Homeland Security & Emergency Services Committee, advancing successful resolutions that influenced federal and congressional policy
• Former Member, Mashpee Chamber of Commerce, supporting local businesses and community partnerships
As the first Emergency Management Director for the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe, Andrews built and established the Tribe’s Emergency Management Department from the ground up — successfully securing millions in federal grants to strengthen community resilience and earning the Tribe a seat on the Barnstable County Incident Management Team.
“I am running for Town Council to bring fresh energy, proven leadership, and deep commitment to service,” said Andrews. “Our community faces critical challenges — from coastal resilience and climate impacts to housing affordability, public safety, and supporting small businesses. With my experience across every level of government and my deep local roots, I am ready to deliver results for Barnstable.”
Beyond his public service, Andrews is a family man of faith, husband, father, and professional artist, who values culture, creativity, and community.
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About the Candidate
Nelson John Andrews Jr. is a Marstons Mills resident, former Mashpee Wampanoag Tribal Council member, and nationally recognized emergency management professional. He is running to represent Precinct 12 on the Barnstable Town Council.
