Nicole brings more than 20 years of nonprofit leadership and fundraising expertise to her role as Vice President, Community Engagement. After spending almost six years in Phoenix, Arizona, where she most recently served as the president and CEO of Valleywise Health Foundation and previously the Chief Development Officer of Phoenix Art Museum, Nicole and her husband Al returned to Colorado Springs, where they have maintained a home for many years.
Nicole is a longtime member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) and has maintained her professional designation as a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) since 2011. She earned a bachelor’s degree in art from Middlebury College and a master of education degree in English from the University of Virginia.
In addition to owning a philanthropic consultancy, Nicole served as Vice President for National Development for Catholic Health Initiatives (CHI) National Foundation headquartered in Englewood, where she directed all national fundraising efforts that supported CHI’s mission across its 19-state system and advanced its priority initiatives.
Prior roles include serving as Director of Corporate, Foundation and Agency Relations for Colorado College, where she directed all corporate, foundation and agency fundraising for more than nine years. She also served for four years as Director of Foundation Gifts for Defenders of Wildlife in Washington, D.C. where she directed all corporate and foundation fundraising for national and international conservation work.
When not working, Nicole is an avid skier and hiker. She frequently can be found on the slopes, on a trail, or on a motorcycle with her husband. She loves to travel and dotes on her Flame Point Siamese cat, Leo, whenever possible.