Senator Ben Nelson became Chief Executive Officer of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) on January 18, 2013. He was selected based on his unique combination of executive, legislative and regulatory experience.

Prior to this appointment Senator Nelson served two-terms in the U.S. Senate representing the State of Nebraska from 2001-2013. During his tenure, he earned a reputation as a moderate who was adept at bringing his colleagues on both sides of the aisle together to find compromises on some of the biggest issues facing the country.

Serving on the Senate Agriculture Committee, Senator Nelson's priorities began with safeguarding our nation's food and fuel security. He was also a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, where he was a tireless champion for our nation's men and women in uniform. In addition, he served on the Senate Appropriations Committee, being a careful steward of taxpayer money while ensuring important investments were being made to grow the economy.

Earlier in his career, Senator Nelson was Governor of Nebraska. As governor, he pledged to bridge the gap between rural and urban areas to move forward as "One Nebraska" and to create a more efficient and effective state government. In 1994, he became the first Nebraska Governor to be elected to a second term in two decades.

Senator Nelson has extensive experience in the insurance sector and started his career in insurance law. He served as CEO of the Central National Insurance Group, as Chief of Staff and Executive Vice President of the NAIC, and as Director of the Nebraska Department of Insurance.

Nelson sits on the Board of Directors of Behlen Manufacturing Corporation, a global manufacturer headquartered in Nebraska, as well is a founding board member of the National Strategic Research Institute, a United States Strategic Command sponsored University Affiliated Research Center at the University of Nebraska focused on combating and responding to national security threats.

Senator Nelson earned a bachelor's degree in 1963, a master's degree in 1965 and a law degree in 1970, all from the University of Nebraska. Nelson also received the 2011 Distinguished Alumni Award from the University of Nebraska College of Law and an honorary doctor of letters from the University of Nebraska in 2013.

Senator Nelson and his wife, former first lady Diane Nelson, have four children and five grandchildren.