Stephen Butterfield, who helped found Nelnet and also served for several years as co-chief executive officer, died Monday April 16 2018 from heart-related complications. Butterfield, 65, had been a member of Nelnet's board of directors since 1996 and served as vice chairman of the board since 2000. Mr. Butterfield received his B.S. degree in business administration from Arizona State University. Prior to his work in the student loan industry, Mr. Butterfield spent 15 years as an investment banker. He also served as co-CEO of the company from 1996-2007. Butterfield had more than 35 years of experience in student loans, capital markets and municipal finance. In addition to helping found Nelnet, he also was instrumental in the formation of the Nelnet Foundation and Nelnet Scholars program. Vice-Chairman, Nelnet, Inc. Vice-Chairman, Nelnet, Inc., March 2000 - present; Co-Chief Executive Officer, August 2003 - May 2007; Vice-Chairman of the Company's predecessor in interest, January 1996 - March 2000. President, Student Loan Acquisition Authority of Arizona, January 1989 - February 2000.