ALEC Announces Retirement of CEO Lisa B. Nelson After 12 Years of Leadership

ARLINGTON, VA — The American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) today announced that Chief Executive Officer Lisa B. Nelson will retire from her role effective December 31, 2026, concluding 12 years of leadership at the organization. 

Nelson has served as CEO of ALEC since 2014, leading the organization through a period of growth, member engagement and impact in the states. During her tenure, ALEC strengthened its work bringing together state legislators, policy experts and private-sector leaders around the organization’s core principles of limited government, free markets and federalism. 

“Serving as CEO of ALEC has been one of the greatest honors of my career,” said Nelson. “Over the past 12 years, I have had the privilege of working alongside extraordinary legislators, policy experts, private-sector leaders, donors and an incredibly talented staff who believe deeply in our mission. Together, we have expanded ALEC’s reach, strengthened the organization and deepened the relationships that make our work possible. While I may be stepping away from day-to-day leadership, my belief in ALEC’s mission and my affection for this organization will never diminish.” 

Before joining ALEC, Nelson built a career spanning public policy, politics and the private sector. While working with William F. Buckley, Jr. at National Review magazine, Nelson founded the National Review Institute. She served as Executive Director of GOPAC and Public Affairs Liaison to then-U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich and held senior government relations and external affairs roles at Visa and AOL Time Warner.  

“ALEC is critical to the movement and the growth and impact Lisa Nelson has had is unmistakable,” said Former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Newt Gingrich. “She had the same effect when working with me on the Contract with America and will be missed” 

Under Nelson’s leadership, ALEC expanded its engagement with state lawmakers and strengthened its national network while continuing to develop research, policy resources and opportunities for collaboration among state leaders. 

“Lisa Nelson’s leadership has left an enduring mark on ALEC,” said Florida State Representative and 2026 ALEC National Chair Demi Busatta. “For 12 years, she has brought energy, vision and an unwavering commitment to the organization. Lisa understood that ALEC’s greatest strength has always been its members, and she worked every day to give state leaders the resources and opportunities they need to succeed. On behalf of the Board of Directors, I want to thank Lisa for her remarkable service and congratulate her on an extraordinary tenure.” 

Nelson will remain involved with ALEC in an advisory capacity following her retirement, providing institutional knowledge and guidance during the leadership transition. 

“Lisa took the helm of ALEC with a clear understanding of what this organization could accomplish and spent the next 12 years turning that vision into results,” said Texas State Senator and former ALEC National Chair Phil King. “She built relationships, strengthened the organization and never lost sight of the principles at the heart of ALEC. Those of us who have had the opportunity to work with Lisa have seen firsthand how deeply she cares about this organization, its members and its mission. ALEC is stronger because of her leadership, and I am grateful for her years of friendship and service.” 

The ALEC Board of Directors has unanimously approved current President Jonathan Williams to serve as Chief Executive Officer and current CFO/COO Lisa Bowen to serve as President beginning January 1, 2027. Both are longtime ALEC executives and will lead the organization alongside its existing management team and Board of Directors. 

“Leadership transitions are important moments for any organization, and I could not be more confident in the team that will lead ALEC forward,” Nelson said. “Jonathan and Lisa know this organization inside and out, understand our members and our mission, and have been integral to our success. ALEC is in capable hands, and I truly believe its best days remain ahead.” 

ALEC also announced the addition of three state legislators to its Board of Directors: Rhode Island State Representative Jon Brien, Illinois State Representative John Cabello and North Carolina State Representative Ray Pickett. 

The three new members will join state legislative leaders from across the country in helping guide ALEC and its work in the states. Their appointments further strengthen the organization’s Board as ALEC prepares to enter its next chapter of leadership. 

Nelson will continue serving as CEO through December 31. Read her farewell letter here.