Nicole Decario Email & Phone Number

Seattle, Washington

Created this program to support responsible AI development and deployment. Launched a cross-functional effort to support AI ethics, AI literacy, and AI policy. - Develop the strategic vision of the program setting annual goals and measurable deliverables- Lead a team of 15 researchers, engineers, and program managers - Identify and build partnerships across the public and private sectors - Develop and oversee related budgets and prioritize spending- Author articles, op-eds, and papers and give keynotes at venues including the US Capitol; AWS IMAGINE conference, Code.org conference; FAccT- Drive and support fundraising efforts for the project securing $1M in year 1- Member of the TeachAI Advisory Board; National AI Safety Institute Consortium (PI); City of Seattle Gen AI Task Force

Seattle, Washington, United States

- Served as Senior Advisor to the CEO, ensuring highest and best use of his time, preparing him for or representing him in internal and external engagements, and enacting his vision on 20+ special projects.- Established the AI & Fairness project leveraging the Institute’s expertise in AI research and engineering to make a direct, positive impact on underrepresented populations: author of the program strategy; partnered with Senior Research team to define focus areas; built partnerships with community and government organizations to ensure creation of the best technologies; developed metrics and evaluation tools; hosted and facilitated regular convenings of renowned researchers to learn about new work and best practices.- Partnered with CEO to co-author articles on various AI topics (including ethics, regulation, policy, and emerging technologies) and secured placement in leading publications, including WIRED, Harvard Business Review, MIT Technology Review, and Springer Nature.- Kickstarted the DEI Working Group: partnered with external consultant to develop a 2-year strategic plan and actively oversee its implementation; established quarterly company-wide reporting plan; recruited working group members and engage the broader team; successfully negotiated with the leadership team for an 80% DEI budget increase.- Led internal and external Executive Communications creating messaging, organization strategy, and leading outreach.

Greater Seattle Area

Created this consulting practice to help mission-driven organizations solve challenges. Two main focus areas are: 1) Strategic Projects- solving complex programmatic/organizational challenges; bridging the gap between strategy and implementation; creating structures and streamlining processes; interim leadership, etc.2) Philanthropic Advising- helping individuals and organizations define and implement a giving strategy; facilitating dialogue; issue-specific research and recommendations; interim leadership, etc.

Seattle

- Led 14-member Board of Directors in establishing goals, developing strategies, and creating the foundation for a scalable model of victim-centered response to child sex trafficking.- Established strong, new donor relationships and community partnerships resulting in a $1M multi-year commitment and 3 regional fundraising events.- Managed 1 FTE and 25 volunteers to complete an art installation on the Aurora Bridge resulting in positive media coverage, including live interviews on 2 networks. - Developed new messaging, including a revised mission statement, for internal and external facing communications.- Managed the distribution of $600,000 in grants to 5 WA State non-profits: established funding priorities and implemented metrics for evaluation. - Accounting and fiscal management included preparation and presentation of monthly and quarterly reports for Board of Directors, overhauling budgeting process, and implementing fiscal policies.- Authored employee policies and operations manual establishing best practices for employees and volunteers.

Greater Seattle Area

Key member of Foundation Leadership Team, overseeing day-to-day operations for the 26-person Foundation and working closely with founders to advance the organization’s overall strategic direction, develop and drive goals and initiatives, and build organizational capacity. - Recruited and established functions for a cross-organizational team (7 people) focused on communications, operations, and program development. Revamped budget structure, implemented editorial calendars, and updated strategic plans. - Spokesperson for the Foundation, writing, and delivering remarks to various audiences, including Fast Company Innovation Festival, Ready Nation Global Business Summit, Aspen Institute, and National Association for the Education of Young Children to further organization’s mission, build strong coalitions, and expand program reach. - Guided expansion of Vroom—the Foundation’s national, science-based, behavior change campaign providing tools and support to parents of low-income families—into ~100 new communities: Forged partnerships with local and national organizations, media, brands, and agencies to realize program vision; evaluated impact; and garnered strategic and financial support for grassroots efforts. - Managed the acquisition of Mind in the Making, the Foundation’s newest in-house program, including negotiating business terms, outlining transition timeline, and setting short and long term priorities.- Selected and managed external vendors, including creative agencies, digital agencies, and strategic communications firm.- Provided creative direction and oversight for Foundation brands and assets.

Greater Seattle Area

- Designed the Foundation’s early learning start-up, Vroom: Created the Vroom brand, developed strategy and evaluation plan, built partnerships, and recruited and managed staff.- Managed successful pilot launch event that drew nearly 1,000 community members and resulted in positive media coverage for Vroom.- Involved in all 4 in-house early learning and youth leadership programs: Partnered with Bezos Scholars Program Manager to ensure successful event management and curriculum implementation and collaborated with Students Rebuild Program Manager to select challenge topics for global initiative and outline messaging hierarchy.- Negotiated vendor, partnership, and grant agreements in collaboration with legal teams.- Selected to facilitate 1 of 10 TED Challenges—small group workshops of attendees and speakers focused on finding solutions to posed problems. Led our group of 12 to design and develop Vroom’s mobile app.- Instructor at the annual Bezos Scholars leadership training program for high school students and educators, in partnership with the Aspen Institute.- Provide mentorship to scholars during the Bezos Scholars program and upon completion of the course as part of alumni network of more than 200 members.

Greater Seattle Area

- Supported founders in evaluating and streamlining personal and Foundation initiatives; provided thought leadership and strategic support, prioritizing founders time and resource allocation; and built systems and processes to create clear cross-functional communication channels.- Oversaw personal giving portfolio of founders: provided research and background information for potential opportunities, managed grant and finance reports, and communicated on behalf of founders.- Traveled with and prepared founders for diverse array of speaking engagements and meetings. Composed speeches and prep documents, facilitated dialogue, and managed on-the-ground presence.- Grew the Foundation from a team of 5 to 22 by supporting professional development, creating standard operating procedures, developing and implementing hiring process, and instituting performance management system.

Greater New York City Area

- Led multiple, high-visibility projects, independently and on behalf of EVP, across business unit, including national launch of Coach Men’s stores.- Supervised 3 executive assistants—coordinated work flow, conducted performance evaluations, and created the process for on-boarding and training executive assistants that has been adopted company-wide.- Managed $250k Retail Merchandise Planning and Allocation budget, overseeing requests and spend across entire department.- Directed planning of offsite meetings, including corporate dinners, charity events, and annual store managers conference (with 900 participants).- Created and managed leadership training and development programs within the organization in collaboration with HR and external vendors.- Advised Executive Team on product selections for donated sales to Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Conducted research, analyzed metrics, and coordinated with partner teams to inform decisions.

Greater New York City Area

- Assisted with production of materials for new business acquisition.- Represented SVP, Production at weekly company-wide meetings and provided team’s business updates.- Managed production schedules and maintained strict oversight of related design work.

Master Of Public Administration (Mpa)

Bachelor Of Music