“Working to build a world that gives everyone a fair shot at building a good life.”

Nick Simmons is a dynamic leader with over a decade of experience in public policy, economic development, and education. His career spans high-level government positions, nonprofit leadership, and strategic advisory roles, where he has consistently driven impactful change. With a strong background in operations, financial modeling, and workforce development, Nick has been instrumental in shaping policies that create opportunities for communities, businesses, and institutions across the United States. His expertise in strategic planning, coalition-building, and problem-solving positions him as an invaluable asset to organizations seeking visionary leadership.

Nick currently served as a Candidate for Connecticut’s 36th State Senate District, where he focused on economic growth, education reform, and infrastructure development. Previously, he held the role of Deputy Chief of Staff to Governor Ned Lamont, leading policy initiatives across multiple state agencies overseeing 5,000+ employees and a combined budget of $10 billion. His ability to navigate complex government systems, align stakeholders, and execute large-scale projects has been a hallmark of his career.

During his tenure as Senior Advisor to the Secretary of Education in the Biden Administration, Nick played a pivotal role in the nation’s COVID-19 recovery efforts in education. He led the deployment of over $160 billion in federal funds, ensuring that 99% of schools were fully reopened by Fall 2021—a dramatic increase from 47% when the administration took office. His leadership in crisis management and public sector investment strategy was essential in stabilizing and revitalizing the education system during one of the most challenging periods in modern history.

Prior to his federal role, Nick served as Director of Strategic Initiatives for the State of Connecticut, where he spearheaded workforce development, infrastructure transformation, and broadband expansion. His leadership in creating the Connecticut Office of Workforce Strategy and the Governor’s Workforce Council helped modernize the state’s education-to-career pipeline. Additionally, he led the Everybody Learns Initiative, a $64 million project that successfully closed the digital divide in Connecticut’s schools, ensuring that students had equitable access to technology.

Nick’s background in finance and education provides a unique blend of analytical and leadership skills. Early in his career, he worked in investment banking at UBS and later transitioned to education, serving as Acting Principal and Assistant Principal at Success Academy Charter Schools. Under his leadership, Success Academy consistently ranked among the top-performing schools in New York, with a 94% pass rate in mathematics compared to the city average of 32%. His deep understanding of education reform and policy implementation has made him a sought-after expert in shaping public and private sector strategies.

Beyond his professional roles, Nick is deeply engaged in nonprofit leadership and civic engagement. He is a Board Member for Poetry in America, a platform bringing literature into classrooms and global audiences through digital initiatives. As Founder and President of the Success Academy Young Professionals Committee, he built a network of over 300 professionals dedicated to expanding access to high-quality public education. Additionally, as a Member of the Robert S. Brookings Society, he collaborates with leading policy experts on critical economic and social issues.

Nick has also been a Political Campaign Strategist with New Politics, supporting over a dozen congressional candidates with public service and military backgrounds. His experience in campaign operations, messaging, and public engagement further reinforces his ability to communicate complex issues effectively and mobilize communities toward meaningful action.

Academically, Nick holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and a Master’s in Public Policy from Harvard Kennedy School, equipping him with a robust analytical foundation to address the intersection of business, government, and social impact. His research and thought leadership have been featured in The Wall Street Journal and HuffPost, and he is frequently invited to speak at conferences on topics ranging from economic opportunity to workforce transformation.

Nick’s strategic expertise extends to his ability to deploy state and federal funds effectively, drive public-private partnerships, and execute multi-billion-dollar initiatives that impact millions of people. His track record demonstrates a commitment to sustainable economic development, equitable education policies, and innovative problem-solving that drives lasting change.

As he continues to advance his career, Nick remains committed to fostering inclusive economic growth, leveraging data-driven solutions, and collaborating with policymakers, business leaders, and educators to create meaningful opportunities for communities. His ability to bridge sectors and translate vision into action makes him a standout leader in public policy and strategic development.

Character:
Nick Simmons is a leader driven by integrity, service, and a commitment to the public good, as demonstrated through his work in government, education, and economic development. His career reflects a deep passion for creating opportunities that improve communities and foster long-term growth.

Knowledge:
With expertise spanning public policy, economic development, finance, and education, Nick has successfully led multi-billion-dollar initiatives that drive societal impact. His ability to navigate complex systems and implement data-driven solutions makes him a trusted strategist in both public and private sectors.

Strategic:
Nick excels at developing and executing high-level strategies that bridge government, nonprofits, and business sectors to create lasting change. His leadership in workforce development, infrastructure transformation, and policy innovation showcases his ability to align diverse stakeholders and drive impactful initiatives.

Communication:
A skilled public speaker and writer, Nick articulates complex issues in a way that engages diverse audiences and inspires action. His experience in policy advocacy, campaign strategy, and media outreach enables him to effectively communicate vision, influence decision-making, and mobilize support for key initiatives.

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