As the vice president of Time Away and Life Solutions at Aon plc, Ambrosia Lea Nelson, plays a pivotal role as a global leader in human capital and benefits consulting. With more than 18 years of experience in absence, life, and disability management, she is an expert in helping large organizations manage their time off and related benefits programs. Her work integrates these specialized services with broader health benefits teams to provide comprehensive solutions. Focused on enhancing Aon’s presence on the West Coast, Ms. Nelson is dedicated to expanding the firm’s impact in her area of expertise.
Ms. Nelson holds three degrees from the University of Dubuque: a Master of Arts in organizational communication and two Bachelor of Arts degrees in English and philosophy. Her education in organizational communication has been a vital asset to her career, sharpening her ability to communicate and lead effectively within corporate structures. Ms. Nelson holds several certifications, including as a licensed resident producer in accident, health, and life insurance and as a certified professional in disability management.
Throughout her career, Ms. Nelson has embraced increasingly demanding roles in the insurance and consulting sectors. She began her career at Sedgwick, holding multiple positions over seven years, including project manager and claims supervisor. From there, she joined Willis Towers Watson as a senior analyst in absence and disability management, eventually moving to the consultant position. Her expertise led her to Mercer, and she climbed the ranks from senior associate to principal consultant between 2017 and 2022. Most recently, Ms. Nelson served as corporate vice president and director of client solutions at New York Life Insurance Company before assuming her current role at Aon in 2024.
Ms. Nelson assists large employers in managing life insurance, absence, and disability benefits, as well as time-off programs. She navigates complex pricing structures for benefit packages and collaborates with insurance providers to ensure her clients receive comprehensive, well-informed solutions. Ms. Nelson is also heavily involved in managing compliance with evolving state legislation, which often dictates employer benefits and claims management changes. Her role requires marketing benefit packages, securing relationships with insurance carriers, and resolving issues between carriers and vendors. Ms. Nelson attributes much of her success to a combination of family support, mentorship, and a relentless drive to challenge herself. Raised with limited resources, she was the first grandchild in her family to earn a college degree, which fueled her desire to uplift her family and excel in her career. Her journey has been marked by resilience, as she continuously sought learning opportunities and embraced challenges that pushed her to grow.
A defining moment in Ms. Nelson’s career was presenting at the Disability Management Employer Coalition (DMEC) convention, where she was recognized as a subject matter expert. The honor of presenting at the larger of DMEC’s two annual events, which focuses on a wide range of employer benefits topics, was a highlight in her career. Speaking before a large audience solidified her reputation as a leader in the industry, and she takes immense pride in this achievement. In addition to her achievements, Ms. Nelson is devoted to civic engagement and giving back to her community. She volunteers with Food for Thought in Denver and is a donor and advocate for the Human Rights Campaign and the National Institute of Mental Health. She is also a member of the Disability Management Employer Coalition and the Integrated Benefits Institute, organizations that align with her expertise.
Ms. Nelson’s career takes great pride in being vice president at Aon, a position she earned through hard work and an advanced skill set. While initially, the firm sought an associate director, her expertise led to her securing the executive leadership role. For Ms. Nelson, this accomplishment represents a significant milestone, and she is eager to continue building on this success with many more years ahead in her career. She aspires to continue making a meaningful impact in her field. She envisions growing Aon’s presence on the West Coast by developing a dedicated team and eventually overseeing her own region. Her goal is to re-establish Aon’s prominence in the Western region, she is currently based in Denver and expand its influence and market share.
Mentorship has been a cornerstone of Ms. Nelson’s career. She is passionate about supporting women and elevating people from all backgrounds. Many of her colleagues and clients turn to her for career guidance, and she takes pride in offering mentorship and advice to those seeking to grow in their careers. Ms. Nelson actively supports women-owned businesses and is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive workplace. She has built lasting relationships and friendships that have enriched her journey. The strong network that she has cultivated is a testament to her commitment to collaboration and mutual respect.
Ms. Nelson’s ability to balance her professional responsibilities with her personal passions is also notable. She enjoys live music, outdoor activities, camping, paddleboarding, kayaking, and hiking. These hobbies provide her with a sense of balance and well-being, contributing to her success as a leader and mentor. As she continues her career, she remains focused on personal growth, industry impact, and the mentorship of others. With her passion for the field, commitment to learning, and desire to foster meaningful relationships, she is poised to make a lasting mark in the insurance and consulting industries for years to come.
