Michael S. Dunlap , Executive Chairman of the Board

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Born 1964

Michael S. Dunlap, Executive Chairman of the Board, established the company that would become Nelnet with Stephen Butterfield in 1996. Mr. Dunlap previously served as Chairman and CEO of the company (co-CEO with former Vice Chairman Butterfield 2003-2007) from its inception.

Mr. Dunlap attained his undergraduate degree from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln in 1986, and his Juris Doctor from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln in 1988. He is a member of the Nebraska State Bar Association.

Mr. Dunlap serves in different leadership capacities for many organizations, including Union Bank & Trust, Raikes School Board, and Capital Casualty Company, among others.

In addition to his role as Executive Chairman of the Board, Mr. Dunlap also serves as Executive Committee Chair.

Jeffrey R. Noordhoek , Chief Executive Officer

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Jeffrey R. Noordhoek serves as Nelnet’s Chief Executive Officer. In this capacity he leads the executive team in the development and execution of corporate strategy and is responsible for the company’s financial performance and growth. He also directly leads the Nelnet Diversified Solutions (NDS) loan servicing division and is focused on the acquisition and development of talent across the enterprise.

Noordhoek’s leadership foundation is based on the strength of Nelnet’s five Core Values with a high concentration on the top three: customers are #1, create an environment in which associates can do what they do best, build a diversified education services company. These Core Values plus his focus on a culture of open communication with all constituents of the company drive Noordhoek’s vision for Nelnet.

Previously, Noordhoek served as President of Nelnet, Senior Vice President of National Education Loan Network, Inc., a subsidiary of Nelnet, and as Vice President of Nelnet’s predecessor, Union Financial Services, Inc. Before joining Nelnet, he served for seven years in various capacities for State Street Capital Corporation.

Noordhoek earned a bachelor’s in business administration from the University of Nebraska in 1988 and a master’s of business administration from Boston University in 1996. He is an active member of the Young President’s Organization. Noordhoek also serves on the boards of directors for the Cornhusker Council of Boy Scouts of America and the Lincoln Community Foundation.

"What makes Nelnet great?"

The discipline we use to adhere to our Core Values as a company has created a customer-focused environment. This has afforded us the opportunity to attract an incredible workforce consisting of associates with the same set of Core Values.

Terry J. Heimes , Chief Operating Officer

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Terry J. Heimes is Nelnet’s Chief Operating Officer. As COO, Heimes manages the company’s shared services: accounting, legal, risk, people services, facilities, communication services, and the IT department.

Previously, Heimes occupied the roles of Chief Financial Officer and Executive Director of Corporate Finance and Legal Services. Heimes served as Director for Nelnet from March 2001 until August 2003. In October 1998, Heimes became the Vice President of Finance for National Education Loan Network, Inc., a subsidiary of Nelnet. Heimes has also worked for the public accounting firm of KPMG LLP in Lincoln, Nebraska, as a manager in the audit department.

Heimes graduated magna cum laude from the University of Nebraska—Kearney in 1986 with a bachelor’s in business administration with an emphasis in accounting. He currently serves as a member of the boards of directors for the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce and the Lincoln Partnership for Economic Development.

It starts with the people. We have great people who are truly focused on creating and adding value while serving our customers. When you add a long-term focus and resources to that we can really do great things.

Jim Kruger , Chief Financial Officer

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Jim Kruger is Nelnet’s Chief Financial Officer, a role in which he is responsible for corporate accounting and tax, financial reporting, investor relations, and people services.

Previously, Kruger served as the company’s Controller from 1998-2013, where he was responsible for, among other things, the company’s accounting activities, financial statement preparation, and SEC compliance reporting.

Before coming to Nelnet, Kruger worked as Senior Manager at KPMG Peat Marwick from 1986-1994, before moving to NEBHELP, which was acquired by Nelnet in 1998.

Kruger received his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Nebraska—Lincoln in 1986. He is a CPA in the State of Nebraska, and previously served on the Norris School Board of Education.

"What makes Nelnet great?"

Nelnet empowers our customers to achieve their dreams and that is what makes us great.

Matthew W. Dunlap , Chief Business Development Officer

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Matthew Dunlap is Chief Business Development Officer for Nelnet and has been a member of Nelnet’s Board of Directors since March 2022. He most recently served as Managing Director of Nelnet Business Services, a division of Nelnet.

Mr. Dunlap graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Economics from Northwestern University in 2012 and earned his Juris Doctor, a professional degree in law, from University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 2015.

In addition to Mr. Dunlap’s internal audit, capital markets, and legal counsel contributions for the organization and his dedicated work with Nelnet Business Services, he also serves on the board of directors of ALLO Communications, BankFirst, First Northeast Bank of Nebraska, and Lighthouse, a Lincoln, Neb.-based nonprofit. Prior to joining Nelnet, Mr. Dunlap spent two years as an associate at GVC Capital, a Colorado-based investment banking firm providing comprehensive investment banking services to underexposed small public and private companies.

Timothy A. Tewes , President

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Timothy A. Tewes serves as President of Nelnet, CEO of Nelnet Business Services (NBS), and is Vice Chair of the Board of Directors of Nelnet Bank.

Tewes joined the Company when Nelnet acquired FACTS Management Company. Tewes joined FACTS Management in 2000, where he served as Executive Vice President. In 2007, he became President and CEO for NBS.

Prior to joining FACTS Management Company, Tewes served as President of Wells Fargo's Lincoln, Nebraska banks, and served as Regional President responsible for Wells Fargo's greater Nebraska banks.

Tewes earned a master’s of business administration as well as a bachelor’s in agriculture business from the University of Nebraska—Lincoln. Tewes has previously been active in many capacities for the United Way of Lincoln and Lancaster County.

"What makes Nelnet great?"

Our commitment to service, which is a core value of Nelnet and each and every team member of Nelnet. This is reflected in our longstanding client relationships. Without each and every team member and client, Nelnet would not be the company we are and we would not be able to impact people the way we do.

William J. Munn , Secretary and General Counsel

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William J. Munn is the company's General Counsel and Secretary. Munn came to Nelnet from UNIPAC Service Corporation, which Nelnet acquired in 2000.

Prior to his appointment as General Counsel, Munn served the company as Legal Counsel, Senior Counsel, and Deputy General Counsel. He works closely with the Board of Directors and its committees, and also oversees the company's records management initiatives.

Before joining Nelnet, Munn was in private law practices in both Denver and Lincoln. Munn currently serves on the Board of Directors for Junior Achievement Rocky Mountain, Inc., and actively supports JA's volunteer efforts in Denver-area schools.

Munn received his undergraduate degree in broadcast journalism in 1990 and his Juris Doctor in 1994, both from the University of Nebraska—Lincoln.

"What makes Nelnet great?"

We have great people, which creates a culture that attracts other great people. In turn, these associates are committed to serving their customers, with the mindset of owning whatever that customer’s need is. The combination of engaged associates and engaged and satisfied customers is a very powerful one, which continues to drive the organization forward.