Jeff Nelson was appointed to serve as the Commissioner of Workers’ Compensation in August 2022, reappointed in February 2023, and confirmed in March 2023.
As commissioner, Jeff oversees the Division of Workers' Compensation’s enforcement of the Texas Workers’ Compensation Act and Rules, resolution of claim-level disputes, education of system participants, and the goal of a balanced workers’ compensation system. The commissioner also works with DWC’s Office of the Medical Advisor to monitor the quality of care injured employees receive.
Jeff has been with DWC since March of 2016. Prior to his appointment to commissioner, he served as the director of External Relations, where he served as the primary point of contact for legislators and stakeholders and worked to advance DWC’s policies and initiatives.
Commissioner Nelson has more than 15 years of public service experience. He previously served as senior campaign consultant for Congressman Kevin Brady, executive aide to Governor Rick Perry, and as legislative aide to State Senator Tommy Williams, where he worked on issues concerning workers’ compensation and the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association. He received a Bachelor of Arts in Government and U.S. Politics from The University of Texas at Austin.
In 2024, he received the NextGen Award from the International Association of Industrial Accident Boards and Commissions for his professional and personal achievements, dedication, contributions, and impact on the industry. He is a board member of the Southern Association of Workers' Compensation Administrators, and also serves on the board of Kids Chance of Texas, which provides scholarships to children whose parents suffered a catastrophic work-related injury.
Jeff and his wife, Kelsey, attend St. John Neumann Catholic Church in Westlake, and welcomed their first son, Luke, to their family in 2023.