Nelnet Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Nelnet has 7 executives leading key functions including operations, financial strategy, organizational management, capital markets, insurance services, foundation initiatives, and business services.

Driven by a commitment to educational and technological advancement, Nelnet delivers comprehensive payment solutions, fiber connectivity, and financial services to empower institutions, schools, and individual borrowers across diverse markets.

Leadership Roles at Nelnet

  • Division Chief Financial Officer, Renewables Construction - Chad Hartnett
  • Chief Operating Officer - Terry Heimes
  • President, Nelnet Insurance Services - Tom Massey
  • President, Nelnet Foundation - Benjamin Kiser
  • President, Nelnet Business Services - DeeAnn Wenger
  • 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, manages the financial health and capital allocation for renewable energy infrastructure projects. Overseeing fiscal planning, the Division Chief Financial Officer, Renewables Construction ensures that investments in sustainable energy align with the company's long-term financial objectives. This role involves analyzing market trends to mitigate risks associated with large-scale construction initiatives. By providing strategic financial oversight, Chad Hartnett supports the expansion of the company's footprint in the energy sector. Hartnett collaborates with project managers to maintain budget integrity and maximize returns on capital expenditures. The Division Chief Financial Officer, Renewables Construction monitors cash flow and financial reporting to ensure transparency and compliance with industry standards. Through precise financial modeling, Hartnett strengthens the company's ability to pursue innovative energy solutions while maintaining a robust balance sheet for future development.

    Terry Heimes - Chief Operating Officer

    Terry Heimes, the Chief Operating Officer at Nelnet, directs the daily operational infrastructure supporting student loan servicing and payment technology platforms. Overseeing internal efficiency, the Chief Operating Officer manages the integration of fiber internet and telecommunications services across Nebraska and Colorado. This leadership role requires constant coordination with the executive board to ensure that operational workflows align with the broader corporate mission of supporting educational institutions. By optimizing resource allocation, Terry Heimes drives the scalability of payment processing systems for over 1,300 higher education institutions. Heimes maintains rigorous standards for service delivery, ensuring that the company meets the complex demands of the education finance sector. Through the implementation of advanced technology, the Chief Operating Officer enhances the overall performance of the business, securing long-term operational stability and fostering growth across all regional service territories.

    Tom Massey - President, Nelnet Insurance Services

    Tom Massey, the President, Nelnet Insurance Services at Nelnet, directs the growth and service delivery of the insurance division. Overseeing product development and client relations, the President, Nelnet Insurance Services ensures that insurance offerings meet the specific needs of educational institutions and individual clients. This role involves expanding the reach of insurance solutions to complement the company's existing suite of financial and payment services. By fostering partnerships with key stakeholders, Tom Massey drives the division's market penetration and revenue growth. Massey monitors industry trends to adapt insurance products to the evolving landscape of education finance. The President, Nelnet Insurance Services collaborates with other business unit leaders to create integrated service packages that provide comprehensive value to customers. Through strategic leadership, Massey enhances the company's reputation for reliability and expertise, ensuring that insurance services remain a vital component of the overall business model.

    Benjamin Kiser - President, Nelnet Foundation

    Benjamin Kiser, the President, Nelnet Foundation at Nelnet, manages the philanthropic efforts and community engagement initiatives of the organization. Overseeing grant distribution and social impact programs, the President, Nelnet Foundation ensures that the company's charitable activities align with its commitment to education and community development. This role involves identifying opportunities to support K-12 schools and higher education institutions through strategic partnerships and funding. By directing the foundation's resources, Benjamin Kiser amplifies the company's positive influence on the communities it serves. Kiser collaborates with educational leaders to address systemic challenges and promote student success. The President, Nelnet Foundation monitors the effectiveness of community programs to ensure that investments yield meaningful results. Through dedicated leadership, Kiser strengthens the company's brand as a socially responsible entity, fostering goodwill and long-term relationships with key educational partners across the regions where the company operates.

    DeeAnn Wenger - President, Nelnet Business Services

    DeeAnn Wenger, the President, Nelnet Business Services at Nelnet, directs the development and implementation of payment technology solutions for over 11,500 K-12 schools and higher education institutions. Overseeing the business services division, the President, Nelnet Business Services ensures that the company's technology platforms remain at the cutting edge of the industry. This role involves managing product innovation and client support to boost the performance of businesses and educational institutions alike. By driving the adoption of advanced payment systems, DeeAnn Wenger enhances the operational efficiency of clients across the country. Wenger collaborates with the technology team to refine software solutions and expand service capabilities. The President, Nelnet Business Services monitors market demand to ensure that the company's offerings remain competitive and relevant. Through strategic oversight, Wenger secures the company's position as a trusted partner in the education technology sector, delivering consistent value and driving revenue growth.

    Natalie Artibee - Managing Director, Chief of Staff

    Natalie Artibee, the Managing Director, Chief of Staff at Nelnet, coordinates strategic initiatives and facilitates communication across the executive leadership team. Overseeing organizational alignment, the Managing Director, Chief of Staff ensures that corporate objectives remain consistent with the mission of providing payment technology and educational support. This role involves managing high-priority projects that span multiple business units, from student loan servicing to fiber internet operations. By streamlining internal processes, Natalie Artibee enhances the efficiency of the executive office. Artibee works closely with department heads to track progress on key performance indicators and resolve operational bottlenecks. The Managing Director, Chief of Staff provides critical support to the leadership team, ensuring that decision-making processes remain data-driven and focused on long-term growth. Through effective project management, Artibee fosters a culture of accountability and excellence, directly contributing to the company's success in the competitive education and technology markets.

    Liz Eberle - Capital Markets Chief of Staff

    Liz Eberle, the Capital Markets Chief of Staff at Nelnet, manages the strategic flow of information and operational tasks within the capital markets division. Overseeing financial reporting and market analysis, the Capital Markets Chief of Staff ensures that the company maintains a strong position in the student loan refinance and private lending sectors. This role involves coordinating with financial analysts to evaluate market conditions and optimize funding strategies. By facilitating communication between the capital markets team and the broader executive leadership, Liz Eberle ensures that financial decisions align with the company's overall risk management framework. Eberle monitors regulatory changes and market shifts to provide actionable insights for the leadership team. The Capital Markets Chief of Staff drives the execution of complex financial transactions, supporting the company's ability to provide competitive loan solutions to borrowers. Through meticulous oversight, Eberle secures the financial foundation necessary for sustained growth.

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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 Tom Massey (President, Nelnet Insurance Services).
    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), Tom Massey (President, Nelnet Insurance Services) 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 Insurance Services, President, Nelnet Foundation, President, Nelnet Business Services.