Angela L. Nelson was appointed by Governor Mike Kehoe as the Director of the Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance, officially assuming her role on March 1, 2025. Her appointment was subsequently confirmed by the Missouri Senate on March 13, 2025, marking a significant step in her distinguished career in public service and the insurance industry.
Background
With a robust background spanning nearly 25 years, Angela is uniquely qualified to lead the Department. Her extensive experience encompasses multiple facets of the insurance sector, having served as an agent, regulator, and executive. From 2002 to 2020, Angela played a pivotal role within the very department she now oversees, where she held several key positions. Notably, she was the Division Director of the Insurance Consumer Affairs Division from 2009 to 2012, directing the department’s response to the devastating Joplin tornado. Following that role, she led the Market Regulation Division from 2012 to 2020, navigating complex regulatory landscapes and advocating for Missouri consumers.
Before her appointment as Director, Angela served as the Vice President of Public Affairs and Government Relations for the Automobile Club of Missouri, part of the larger Automobile Club Enterprises Group. In this capacity, she skillfully managed legislative and regulatory relationships on a diverse array of issues including insurance, motor club operations, and traffic safety. Angela also worked briefly for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas City where she managed its compliance operations.
Angela’s academic achievements include graduating summa cum laude with a bachelor's degree in management and continuing on to earn an MBA from William Woods University. Her commitment to the field of insurance and consumer advocacy has been recognized with notable accolades, including the Graduate College Award from William Woods University in 2012 for her contributions to Missouri insurance consumers, as well as the Paul DeAngelo Memorial Teaching Award from the Insurance Regulatory Examiners Society (IRES) in 2018.