Michael Nichols

Executive Director, Esplanade Association

Boston

Michael Nichols is the Executive Director of the Esplanade Association and is leading the organization into its next phase of ‘Making life better on the Esplanade.’ Michael has broad experience in law, government and non-profit management and a strong shared goal with the Esplanade Association’s Board of Directors for the future direction of the Charles River Esplanade as an innovative, sustainably-maintained recreational destination and cultural contributor.

Prior to joining the Esplanade Association, Michael served as Chief of Staff at the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway Conservancy in Boston where he was responsible for the Conservancy's community and government affairs, external communications, and advancing strategic Greenway priorities. Under Michael’s leadership, the Conservancy negotiated a landmark multi-party park funding agreement, opened Boston’s first fully open-air beer garden, created the organization’s signature young professional fundraising event, significantly grew earned revenue with innovative activities, tripled the organization’s social media following, and initiated numerous partnerships with other leading Boston institutions for in-park events.

The multi-party funding agreement Michael negotiated for The Greenway brought together, for the first time, the City, State and a non-profit business group representing over 40 large, Greenway-abutting commercial property owners. The deal created a unique public-private funding arrangement for the park that assured The Greenway financial stability years into the future.

Before The Greenway, Michael served as Research & Policy Director at the Boston City Council, coordinating legal and policy research efforts for the full 13-member Council while drafting several ordinances that became enacted into local and state law. Michael earlier served as Chief of Staff and Legal Counsel to two state representatives at the Massachusetts House of Representatives, where he also drafted several bills that became law, led external relations efforts, and managed various office, district and committee activities.

Michael has a long record of community engagement, having served on the University of Connecticut Board of Trustees, Mayor Menino’s ONEin3 Council (now SPARK Boston) for young professionals, and five years as President of the Audubon Circle Neighborhood Association in Boston. Michael currently serves as an appointee of Mayor Walsh to the Boston Zoning Commission and as a mentor in the Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Massachusetts Bay program. He is an admitted attorney in Massachusetts with a BA and JD from the University of Connecticut.