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 Nebraska Game and Parks 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.

Matthew W. Dunlap , Chief Business Development Officer

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Matthew Dunlap is Chief Business Development Officer for the company, President of Nelnet Financial Services, a division of 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.

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, internal audit, and most recently, the company’s solar construction business.

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.

"What makes Nelnet great?"

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

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 practice in Lincoln, NE and Denver, CO. Munn currently serves on the Executive Committee of the Colorado General Counsel Mentoring Program, which seeks to encourage diversity in the legal profession through mentorship and guidance to law firm associates and partners from underrepresented groups.

Munn received his undergraduate degree in broadcast journalism in 1990 and his law degree 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.

Emily Olinger , Chief People Services Officer

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As Chief People Services Officer, Emily (Em) Olinger brings a wealth of experience, a diverse background, and a passion for organizational growth to this instrumental role. Ms. Olinger has been a driving force behind impactful associate engagement initiatives, leadership development programs, and fostering a positive organizational culture. 

Ms. Olinger joined Nelnet in 2024 after most recently serving as Chief People Officer at Monolith, where she led the organization through 40% headcount growth in her first year. Before that, she was Chief People Officer and Head of People and Culture at Spreetail while the company scaled from 100 to 1,600 employees. 

In previous senior leadership roles, Ms. Olinger served as Vice President of Client Experience and Director of Client Service at MindMixer and mySidewalk. She received her bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in mathematics from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. 

Throughout her career, Ms. Olinger has led the successful implementation and continuation of effective workforce planning and performance management systems, organizational culture plans, and more. She champions using data-driven insights to inform strategic decisions and takes a hands-on approach to talent management.

Ms. Olinger’s passion for people and strategic vision are excellent assets to Nelnet’s continued growth and success.

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.

DeeAnn Wenger , President, Nelnet Business Services (NBS)

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As President of Nelnet Business Services, DeeAnn Wenger leads the division’s efforts to develop and support payment technology and learning management solutions for K-12 schools, higher education institutions, not-for-profits, and businesses across the U.S. and internationally. 

Ms. Wenger joined NBS in 2012, initially leading the product management, marketing, and communications teams before being named President in 2014. 

Before joining NBS, Ms. Wenger had a successful career in corporate and private banking, having led the wealth management organization for Wells Fargo in Nebraska and Kansas. She received her bachelor’s degree with an emphasis in finance from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. 

Ms. Wenger is an accomplished leader, communicator, and strategist. Her proven leadership in people and business has driven significant growth and diversification, and her commitment to customers and associates has been evident throughout her career and time at Nelnet.