Re-Issuing a Ticket - American

Bought a round trip ticket for an employee to a work conference. My cheap arse bought the non-refundable / non- transferable option. Employee got sick and couldn't attend so I canceled the flight. It was booked thru AmEx and they advised that a credit will be issued to my account but since the ticket wasn't transferable another flight can only be booked in the employee's name.

Is it possible to book a refundable flight in the employee's name, cancel and then be able to use the credit in my name?

Or is there another work around?

Thanks