Nicole Smith

Director of Finance & Operations

Nicole is a Chicago native whose goal in life is to have a positive impact on the city that she calls home. This goal motivated her academically and professionally. Nicole holds a bachelor’s degree in business information systems, business administration, and accounting from now Middle Georgia University. She earned her MBA with an emphasis in accounting at Roosevelt University. Furthermore, she studied project management, business fraud examination, computer forensics, and business law. Her studies culminated with a Ph.D. in accounting at Capella University. Nicole has held positions including Director of Finance & Compliance, CFO, Executive Director, Professor, and consultant. She believes that economic development is a key component to ending violence in the city. As such, she uses her business skills to support the growth of small businesses and other nonprofits in the Chicago area.