Nelnet Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

Nelnet has 7 executives leading key functions including operational scaling, strategic business management, capital markets, renewable energy finance, philanthropic initiatives, business services, and insurance solutions.

Driven by a commitment to educational and technological advancement, Nelnet delivers comprehensive payment solutions, fiber connectivity, and financial services to empower institutions, schools, and residents across the United States.

Leadership Roles at Nelnet

  • Division Chief Financial Officer, Renewables Construction - Chad Hartnett
  • Chief Operating Officer - Terry Heimes
  • President, Nelnet Foundation - Benjamin Kiser
  • President, Nelnet Business Services - DeeAnn Wenger
  • President, Nelnet Insurance Services - Tom Massey
  • Managing Director, Chief of Staff - Natalie Artibee
  • Capital Markets Chief of Staff - Liz Eberle
  • Chad Hartnett - Division Chief Financial Officer, Renewables Construction

    Chad Hartnett, the Division Chief Financial Officer, Renewables Construction at Nelnet, directs the financial strategy and fiscal oversight for renewable energy projects. Overseeing the capital requirements and project budgeting for construction initiatives, the Division Chief Financial Officer, Renewables Construction ensures that all investments align with the company's sustainability and growth goals. This role involves managing complex financial models to evaluate project viability and long-term profitability. By coordinating with project managers and external stakeholders, Hartnett optimizes resource allocation to drive efficiency in the renewable energy sector. The Division Chief Financial Officer, Renewables Construction also provides critical financial reporting to the executive team to support informed decision-making. Chad Hartnett drives the financial health of the division by implementing rigorous cost-control measures and revenue-tracking systems. Through strategic financial planning, Hartnett supports the expansion of the company's footprint in the renewable energy market, ensuring that construction projects contribute positively to the overall corporate portfolio and long-term financial success.

    Terry Heimes - Chief Operating Officer

    Terry Heimes, the Chief Operating Officer at Nelnet, directs the internal infrastructure and operational efficiency across all business units. Overseeing the integration of payment technology for thousands of higher education institutions, the Chief Operating Officer ensures seamless service delivery. This leadership role involves optimizing internal workflows to support the company's diverse portfolio, ranging from fiber internet services to student loan management. By streamlining cross-departmental communication, Heimes maintains high performance standards throughout the organization. The Chief Operating Officer also coordinates with other executive leaders to align operational capacity with long-term growth objectives. Terry Heimes monitors key performance indicators to drive continuous improvement in service quality. Through rigorous oversight of internal processes, Heimes secures the operational stability necessary for sustained market expansion. This focus on efficiency allows the company to scale its technology offerings effectively while maintaining the high standards expected by educational partners and residential customers.

    Benjamin Kiser - President, Nelnet Foundation

    Benjamin Kiser, the President, Nelnet Foundation at Nelnet, directs the philanthropic strategy and community engagement initiatives. Overseeing the distribution of resources to support educational access and community development, the President, Nelnet Foundation ensures that the company's social impact efforts align with its core mission. This role involves identifying strategic partnerships with non-profit organizations and educational institutions to maximize the effectiveness of charitable programs. By managing the foundation's operations, Kiser fosters a culture of giving and social responsibility throughout the organization. The President, Nelnet Foundation also communicates the impact of these initiatives to stakeholders and the broader community. Benjamin Kiser drives the development of programs that address systemic barriers to education and economic opportunity. Through careful stewardship of foundation assets, Kiser ensures that philanthropic efforts create meaningful, lasting change. This leadership role remains vital for maintaining the company's commitment to social impact while enhancing its reputation as a community-focused leader in the education and technology sectors.

    DeeAnn Wenger - President, Nelnet Business Services

    DeeAnn Wenger, the President, Nelnet Business Services at Nelnet, directs the delivery of payment technology and administrative solutions for higher education and K-12 institutions. Overseeing the development and implementation of cutting-edge software, the President, Nelnet Business Services ensures that schools have the tools necessary to manage complex financial operations efficiently. This role involves leading product innovation and customer success teams to maintain high levels of service for thousands of educational partners. By analyzing market needs, Wenger drives the expansion of the business services portfolio to include new, high-value technology offerings. The President, Nelnet Business Services also collaborates with other executive leaders to integrate these services into the company's broader ecosystem. DeeAnn Wenger monitors operational performance to ensure that technology solutions meet the evolving demands of the education sector. Through strategic leadership, Wenger secures the company's position as a trusted partner for institutions seeking to modernize their administrative and payment processes.

    Tom Massey - President, Nelnet Insurance Services

    Tom Massey, the President, Nelnet Insurance Services at Nelnet, directs the strategic growth and operational management of the company's insurance offerings. Overseeing the development of specialized insurance products, the President, Nelnet Insurance Services ensures that the division provides comprehensive coverage solutions tailored to the needs of clients. This role involves managing relationships with underwriters and partners to maintain a competitive and reliable product suite. By focusing on market expansion and customer retention, Massey drives the financial performance of the insurance division. The President, Nelnet Insurance Services also coordinates with other business units to leverage the company's existing expertise in finance and technology. Tom Massey monitors industry trends to identify new opportunities for product development and service enhancement. Through proactive leadership, Massey ensures that the insurance division contributes significantly to the company's overall revenue and service diversity. This position requires deep industry knowledge to navigate the complexities of the insurance market while delivering value to customers.

    Natalie Artibee - Managing Director, Chief of Staff

    Natalie Artibee, the Managing Director, Chief of Staff at Nelnet, architects the strategic alignment between executive leadership and organizational goals. Managing the flow of critical information, the Managing Director, Chief of Staff facilitates decision-making processes that impact the company's broad range of services. This role involves coordinating high-level initiatives across the firm's diverse divisions, including payment technology and fiber internet operations. By fostering collaboration among senior leaders, Artibee ensures that corporate strategy remains consistent with the mission of supporting educational and business success. The Managing Director, Chief of Staff also oversees special projects that require cross-functional expertise. Natalie Artibee drives organizational agility by identifying and removing barriers to effective execution. Through constant engagement with the leadership team, Artibee maintains focus on core business priorities. This position requires deep understanding of the company's operational landscape to provide actionable insights that support the overall growth trajectory and long-term stability of the enterprise.

    Liz Eberle - Capital Markets Chief of Staff

    Liz Eberle, the Capital Markets Chief of Staff at Nelnet, directs the strategic planning and execution of financial market activities. Overseeing the complex landscape of student loan financing and capital allocation, the Capital Markets Chief of Staff ensures the company maintains a robust financial position. This role involves analyzing market trends to inform investment decisions and risk management strategies. By collaborating with financial analysts and executive leadership, Eberle supports the development of innovative funding solutions that benefit borrowers and institutional partners. The Capital Markets Chief of Staff also monitors regulatory developments to ensure compliance and operational readiness. Liz Eberle drives the implementation of capital strategies that align with the company's broader financial objectives. Through meticulous oversight of market-facing operations, Eberle secures the necessary resources to fuel ongoing business development. This leadership function remains essential for navigating the evolving financial environment while maintaining the company's reputation for reliability and expertise in the education finance sector.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Nelnet Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Nelnet?
    Nelnet is led by Chad Hartnett (Division Chief Financial Officer, Renewables Construction), along with executives such as Terry Heimes (Chief Operating Officer) and Benjamin Kiser (President, Nelnet Foundation).
    Who is part of Nelnet’s executive team?
    The executive team of Nelnet includes leaders such as Chad Hartnett (Division Chief Financial Officer, Renewables Construction), Terry Heimes (Chief Operating Officer), Benjamin Kiser (President, Nelnet Foundation) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Nelnet have?
    Nelnet has 7 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Nelnet’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Nelnet includes roles such as Division Chief Financial Officer, Renewables Construction, Chief Operating Officer, President, Nelnet Foundation, President, Nelnet Business Services, President, Nelnet Insurance Services.