As chief administrative officer, Jen Nelson leads administrative functions across the laboratory in support of the operation of FRIB as a U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science (DOE-SC) scientific user facility. She partners with other senior leaders and managers to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local policies, aligning with MSU and DOE-SC expectations and regulations to sustain FRIB’s capabilities and reputation as a DOE-SC scientific user facility. Her role also includes monitoring for efficacy, efficiency, and client satisfaction, and assuring continuous improvement.

Jen most recently worked as chief operating officer (COO) for the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), where she oversaw the organization’s day-to-day operations. She guided development and execution of MEDC’s strategic plan, while also leading initiatives focused on improving organizational efficiency and performance. She played a central role in shaping and executing MEDC’s broader strategy, collaborating with key stakeholders such as the MEDC Executive Committee, the Michigan Strategic Fund Board, the Collaborative Development Council, and other statewide partners.

With more than 20 years of experience in public service and management, Jen previously spent 12 years at MEDC before becoming its COO, where she held several leadership positions, including executive vice president, chief business development officer, and chief legal officer. Earlier in her career, she worked as a lawyer in private practice.

Jen earned a bachelor’s degree in speech communication from Northern Michigan University and a law degree from Michigan State University College of Law.