Nelnet Campus Commerce Appoints Evan Claudeanos to Drive Product Innovation and Project Horizon Launch

Nelnet Campus Commerce Shapes Future with Strategic Hire for Product Innovation

Nelnet Campus Commerce announces the appointment of Evan Claudeanos as managing director of Product and Engineering, effective March 3, 2026. In this newly established role, Claudeanos will spearhead product innovation and technical strategy, playing a critical part in the ambitious rollout of Project Horizon, a transformative platform initiative set to launch next year. This strategic move aims to enhance the quality and efficiency of financial solutions tailored for higher education institutions across the nation. Jackie Strohbehn, president of Nelnet Campus Commerce, emphasizes that Claudeanos's unique blend of engineering experience, artificial intelligence (AI) expertise, and product innovation will be instrumental in advancing their mission.

Claudeanos brings a proven track record in both technological advancement and product development. His previous tenure as director of the Innovation and Incubation Lab at Ellucian resulted in the rapid market introduction of an AI-driven workforce development marketplace, showcasing his capability to leverage cutting-edge technologies. This experience is complemented by his founding of Amaforge, a B2B SaaS platform geared toward enhancing university research funding through AI-driven strategies. His partnership with the University of Notre Dame's IDEA Center Accelerator and role as a Founder-in-Residence at UC Berkeley's SkyDeck further underscore his adeptness at fostering innovation within the educational sector.

With Project Horizon on the horizon, Nelnet Campus Commerce is positioned to enhance the financial wellness and operational efficiency of over 1,300 campuses nationwide. As a provider of integrated and secure payment solutions, the division is committed to leveraging the latest technology to address the evolving needs of higher education. Strohbehn articulates confidence in Claudeanos's leadership abilities, highlighting that his innovative mindset and curiosity will be essential as Nelnet Campus Commerce navigates its strategic roadmap, ultimately aiming to improve the user experience for educational institutions and their constituents.

In addition to Claudeanos's appointment, Nelnet Campus Commerce continues to emphasize its commitment to security and integration within its financial solutions. The company's offerings are PCI Level 1 validated, ensuring a high standard of data protection. The seamless compatibility with major Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems further enhances the scalability and usability of its payment solutions, reflecting Nelnet's dedication to advancing the operational capabilities of higher education institutions across the country. The strategic direction set by new leadership is poised to elevate Nelnet Campus Commerce as a leader in educational financial solutions.