Practice areas: Strategy Operations, Marketing And Communications, Personal Branding And Leadership Development

Experience: Strategic Planning, Marketing and Communications, Leadership Development, Fundraising, Advocacy

Michelle A. Nicholas is a cross-sector strategist with over 20 years of experience spanning the nonprofit, corporate, and government sectors. Her work focuses on strengthening mission-driven organizations through strategic planning, leadership development, and capacity building that drives sustainable impact.

She has held executive roles including Vice President at Family Services of Westchester and Executive Director at Girls Inc. of Westchester County, where she led initiatives that expanded partnerships, deepened mission alignment, and strengthened organizational infrastructure. Earlier in her career, she held a management position at the U.S. Fund for UNICEF and worked in wealth management at JPMorgan Chase, gaining a solid foundation in finance and community engagement. Michelle also served as Senior Vice President, Chief Diversity Officer, and Director of Community Development at PCSB Bank, where she bridged corporate goals with social impact through equity and empowerment initiatives.

Widely recognized for her ability to guide leaders and boards through change, Michelle is known for fostering collaboration, improving governance, and aligning vision with actionable strategy. She is the Founder and CEO of The NICO Consulting, Inc. and serves on multiple boards and advisory councils, including M&T Bank’s Directors’ Advisory Council, United Way of Westchester and Putnam, and Nonprofit Westchester. Michelle holds degrees in Management, Economics, and Social Work and has been recognized by Crain’s New York Business, City & State NY, and 914 Inc. Magazine for her commitment to building resilient organizations and leaders.

Other professional experience:
Certifications:
Publications
Memberships
Affiliations
Languages