Previously, she spent almost three years as the Mid-Michigan Regional Director for U.S. Senator Gary C. Peters, and over 25 years in the aviation industry with experience in air service development, airline management, and contract management. She was the Director of Marketing and Passenger Development for the Capital Region Airport Authority, responsible for development, marketing, advertising, and public relations efforts for the Capital Region International Airport and Mason Jewett Field Airport. Her efforts were key in the development of direct service to Washington D.C. and to international markets including Cancun and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, and Montego Bay, Jamaica.

Prior to joining the Airport Authority and working for the U.S. Senate, Nicole was the Director of Sales for Spartan Travel, a Michigan travel management company. She assisted organizations in the development of travel policies and negotiated air, car, and hotel contracts for state-wide organizations including the state of Michigan, Michigan State University, and Michigan insurance and manufacturing companies. She began her career in aviation with United Airlines/United Express as a Station Manager, managing daily operations at the airport, and was the Regional Sales Manager, overseeing sales throughout Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota.

Nicole serves as a Commissioner of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commission of Mid-Michigan, Vice-Chair on the Habitat for Humanity Capital Region Board, Board Member for Lansing Economic Area Partner, as a member of the MSU Global Business Advisory Council, and a Certified Member of Airports Council International. Nicole has also received the distinguished ATHENA Award, given to a woman who has achieved excellence in her profession, has served the community in a meaningful way, and has assisted and mentored women in the attainment of professional goals and leadership skills.