Background
From uniform
to enterprise.
A career that started in the Air Force JAG Corps, grew into three decades of federal healthcare leadership, and reached the U.S. Congress.
Cheryl Nilsson didn't start in business. She started in uniform — twenty-three years on active duty as a U.S. Air Force Judge Advocate, specializing in procurement law. Her work connected her to government procurement, defense, and NASA-serving organizations: systems where consequences are real and discipline is not optional.
In 1992, she founded First Nation Group. The company was built at the intersection of what she knew — federal procurement, healthcare supply, and public service. What started as a founder's bet became a trusted federal contractor serving VA, DoD, and government healthcare customers with service-disabled-veteran-owned, women-owned, and HUBZone certifications.
In 2018, Cheryl testified before the U.S. House Small Business Subcommittee on Investigations, Oversight and Regulations — speaking to Congress about the role of veteran-owned small businesses in serving federal agencies. The enterprise grew beyond commerce: Cheryl established the First Nation Group Foundation, and her son Kennedy Nilsson now serves as CEO, carrying the enterprise forward.
Judge Advocate service
Twenty-three years on active duty in the U.S. Air Force, working in procurement law connected to government, defense, and NASA-serving organizations. The discipline of military service carries directly into how First Nation Group operates today.
Founded First Nation Group
An enterprise created at the intersection of disciplined execution and public need. Built to serve the institutions that serve others.
Retirement from active duty
Retired as Colonel, USAF. The procurement-law expertise that defined her military career became the foundation of a federal healthcare enterprise.
Jordan Reses merger
First Nation Group completed a merger with Jordan Reses Supply Company, expanding into a national medical-equipment and supplies distributor with multiple federal procurement certifications.
Congressional testimony
Testified before the U.S. House Small Business Subcommittee on Investigations, Oversight and Regulations. Her written testimony addressed the role of veteran-owned small businesses in serving the Department of Veterans Affairs — drawing on 23 years of Air Force procurement law and her experience as a federal contractor.
HIRE Vets Platinum Medallion
The U.S. Department of Labor awarded First Nation Group the highest tier of the HIRE Vets Medallion Award — recognizing veteran recruitment, retention, and professional development. Senator Rick Scott also recognized the company's veteran support.
Federal Supply Schedule award
First Nation Group secured a Federal Supply Schedule award, adding pharmaceutical products to the VA National Acquisition Center catalog — expanding from medical-surgical distribution into federal pharmaceutical supply.
Next generation leadership
Kennedy Nilsson serves as CEO. Cheryl remains Founder and Owner — guiding the enterprise with the same discipline that built it, and directing the First Nation Group Foundation's work for veterans and communities.
"Purpose is strongest when it has an operating model."
— Cheryl Nilsson
Recognition
Awards & honors
-
2020
HIRE Vets Platinum Medallion
U.S. Department of Labor
The highest tier of the federal HIRE Vets Medallion Award, recognizing veteran recruitment, retention, and professional-development practices.
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2018
Congressional Witness
U.S. House Small Business Subcommittee
Testified before Congress on veteran-owned small businesses and VA procurement — the strongest independent public record of her federal-procurement expertise.
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2020
DLA ECAT Contract Award
Defense Logistics Agency
Five-year medical-supply electronic-catalog contract — a procurement milestone documenting the company's scale in federal healthcare distribution.
In the Press & Public Record
Coverage & profiles
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U.S. Congress · 2018
Vets First? An Examination of VA's Resources for Veteran-Owned Small Businesses
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PR Newswire · 2016
Jordan Reses Supply Company Successfully Completes Merger With First Nation Group
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First Nation Group · 2020
Awarded U.S. Department of Labor Platinum Medallion
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Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center · 2023
Generosity Spotlight: First Nation Group
Community & Philanthropy
Beyond commerce.
The First Nation Group Foundation connects the company's capabilities with programs for veterans, military families, and underserved communities.
Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center
Cheryl initiated the relationship after a 2021 visit. First Nation Group funding supports adaptive military programs and family participation in outdoor education for disabled veterans.
Veterans Matter — Housing
Company grants supported housing for homeless veterans. Cheryl participated in a supplier-rebate concept and a northern Florida Guardian Angel Fund pilot.
Kendra Smith Scholarship
The First Nation Group Foundation announced a renewable $10,000 scholarship for students pursuing healthcare careers — extending the company's mission into education.
First Nation Group Foundation
Cheryl serves as Director on the foundation board. The 501(c)(3) supports adaptive sports, education, housing, military programs, suicide prevention, mental health, and veteran community services.