Former Sen. Ben Nelson (D-NE) has been named the chief executive officer of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, the organization announced Monday.
According to the press release detailing the announcement, Nelson will “lead the NAIC’s efforts to meet the needs of its members and represent their interests as the primary advocate and chief spokesperson in Washington, D.C.”
“Senator Nelson’s impressive credentials and deep knowledge of state insurance regulation are simply unmatched,” Jim Donelon, president of NAIC, said in the release. “His rare and valuable combination of experience in insurance and government will be a tremendous asset to our organization. In addition to skillfully navigating the political arena, the stalwart leadership and collaborative nature that marked his time in public service will be integral to elevating our efforts on Capitol Hill.”
Bloomberg reported Monday that NAIC will be tasked with overseeing the implementation of the new federal health care law, for which Nelson provided the decisive 60th vote in the Senate in 2010. But in exchange for his support of the bill, the conservative Democrat secured the so-called “Cornhusker Kickback” — that is, a compromise that exempted Nebraska from paying for the Medicaid expansion.
Monday brought other news regarding Nelson’s post-Senate career. A report published by Politico revealed that Nelson will serve as a senior adviser for a K-Street firm.
