Nicole joined the Community Foundation of Kankakee River Valley in 2009 when she returned to her hometown of Kankakee after a 15-year career in business management with The Musicland Group and Delaware North Companies. Nicole quickly stepped into a program coordinator role where she led an early childhood coalition while also handling the day-to-day operations of the Foundation. She assumed the role of Executive Director in November 2014. Nicole also serves as the Vice President for the Alliance of Illinois Community Foundations and is a board member for Kiwanis Club of Kankakee. She also serves on several committees throughout the region that focus on health, workforce development, economic development and children’s mental health.

Nicole received her Bachelor of Music degree from Millikin University. She is a member of the American Legion Auxiliary Post 795, County West Survivors Relay For Life team, and is a Cantor for St. Margaret Mary’s Catholic Church. She enjoys traveling with her husband, Joe, and hosting family and friends in their new home in Herscher, IL.

Causes Nicole cares about: Early Childhood, Mental Health and Fine Arts