Background
Nelson, Ben was born on May 17, 1941 in McCook, Nebraska, United States. Son of Benjamin Earl and Birdella Ruby (Henderson) Nelson.
Nelson, Ben was born on May 17, 1941 in McCook, Nebraska, United States. Son of Benjamin Earl and Birdella Ruby (Henderson) Nelson.
Bachelor in Philosophy, University Nebraska, 1963. Master of Arts in Philosophy, University Nebraska, 1966. Juris Doctor, University Nebraska, 1970.
Doctor of Laws (honorary), Creighton University, 1992. Doctor of Laws (honorary), Peru State College, 1993.
Instructor department philosophy University Nebraska, Lincoln, 1963-1965. Supervisor Department Insurance State of Nebraska, 1965-1972. Director insurance, 1975-1976.
Assistant general counsel, general counsel, secretary, vice president The Central National Insurance Group Omaha, 1972-1975, executive vice president, 1976-1977, president, 1978-1981, Chief Executive Officer, 1980-1981. Of counsel Kennedy, Holland, DeLacy & Svoboda, Omaha, 1985-1990, Lumson, Dugan and Murray, Omaha, 1999—2001. Governor State of Nebraska, Lincoln, 1991—1999.
United States Senator from Nebraska, since 2000. Committee rules and administration United States Senate, committee commerce, science and transportation, committee armed services, committee agriculture, nutrition and forestry.
Co-chairman Carter/Mondale re-election campaign, Nebraska, 1980. Chair National Education Goals Panel, 1992-1994. Co-founder Governor's Ethanol Coalition, chair, 1991, 94.
President Council of State Governors, 1994. Board trustee Wesley House Foundation, Omaha, 1970-1976. Member American Bar Association, National Association Independent Insurers, National Association Insurance Commissioners (executive vice president 1982-1985), Nebraska Bar Association, Consumer Credit Insurance Association, Midwestern Governors Association (chair 1994), Western Governors Association (vice chair 1994, chair 1995), Happy Hollow Club, Omaha Club, Hillcrest Country Club.
Married Diane C. Gleason, February 22, 1980. Children from a previous marriage: Sarah Jane, Patrick James. Stepchildren: Kevin Michael Gleason, Christine Marie Gleason.