Open to opportunities

Jessica I Nichols

@jessicainichols

Education and nonprofit leader with 20 years’ experience improving outcomes through data-driven strategy and governance.

United States

Message

What I'm looking for

I’m looking to lead mission-driven education and community initiatives—combining data-driven instructional strategy, operational leadership, governance, and fundraising to improve outcomes and build consensus with stakeholders.

I’m an education and community leader with 20 years of K–12 experience, known for operational leadership, governance, and fundraising strategy. I’ve been recognized as the 2024–2025 Howard County Teacher of the Year and a Maryland State Department of Education finalist for my instructional leadership, innovation, and organizational impact.

In my current role with the Howard County Public School System, I lead advanced academic and leadership initiatives that strengthen instructional strategy and program implementation to improve staff leadership and student achievement. I also direct hiring, onboarding, and personnel coordination for the Black Student Achievement Program (BSAP), using effectiveness-focused operations to support program goals.

Alongside my school leadership, I serve as Founding Chairperson & Board Member for Columbia Community Care–Maryland, where I provide executive leadership and strategic governance for food security, crisis response, and community wellness. I secured and managed over $1.5 million in funding, directed resource distribution to 170,000+ individuals and families, and helped drive the The Source initiative—a 65,000-square-foot community center created through cross-sector partnerships—with stakeholder advocacy that included community forums of up to 300 attendees.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Founding Chair & Board Member

Current

Columbia Community Care

Mar 2022 - Present (4 years 2 months)

Provided executive leadership and strategic governance for a community nonprofit focused on food security, crisis response, and community wellness across Howard County. Secured and managed $1.5M+ in funding and led resource distribution serving 170,000+ individuals and families.

Board Governance Executive Leadership Food Security Crisis Response Planning Community Outreach Program Operations Stakeholder Engagement

Current

Advanced Studies Leader

Current

Howard County Public School System

Aug 2014 - Present (11 years 9 months)

Led advanced academic and leadership initiatives to strengthen instructional strategy and program implementation across a high-performing Maryland school district. Directed hiring and operations for the Black Student Achievement Program (BSAP) and received the 2024–2025 Howard County Teacher of the Year and Maryland State Department of Education Teacher of the Year finalist recognition.

Instructional Leadership Program Implementation Black Student Achievement Program (BSAP)Data Driven Program Effectiveness Stakeholder Engagement

Board Chair & Community Redevelopment

Columbia Community Care

Mar 2022 - Oct 2025 (3 years 7 months)

Led acquisition and redevelopment of a county-owned property into The Source, a 65,000-square-foot multi-use community center expanding youth programming and social services. Drove stakeholder engagement and public advocacy, leading forums of up to 300 attendees to build consensus with county officials, business leaders, and community partners.

Advocacy Stakeholder Management Program Development Governance

High School Teacher & ENVoY Leader

Spencerville Adventist Academy

Aug 2007 - Jun 2012 (4 years 10 months)

Delivered interdisciplinary instruction across English, Government, Economics, Sociology, and World History to improve instructional effectiveness and student achievement. Led student leadership and engagement initiatives, managing a $12,500 operational budget, and coached educators as a certified ENVoY leadership coach.

Secondary Education Classroom Instruction Budget Management ENVoY Leadership Coaching Student Engagement

Secondary Social Studies Teacher

Potomac High School

Aug 2005 - Jun 2007 (1 year 10 months)

Taught high-impact social studies focused on civic leadership, critical thinking, and student engagement across diverse learning environments. Led National Honor Society scholarship initiatives, securing $4,000+ in funding, and implemented inclusive strategies that supported student participation and leadership development.

Social Studies Civic Leadership Education Critical Thinking Student Engagement National Honor Society Advising Leadership Development Academic Support

Social Studies Teacher

John F. Kennedy High School

Aug 2001 - Mar 2003 (1 year 7 months)

Delivered standards-aligned social studies instruction to strengthen civic literacy, analytical thinking, and academic achievement. Built collaborative relationships with faculty, families, and school leadership while fostering inclusive, student-centered classroom environments.

Civic Literacy Teaching Analytical Thinking Faculty & Family Collaboration Leadership Development