Nicholas Buford
Summary
Public affairs professional specializing in public policy development, economic and community development, and corporate political engagement. Expertise in strategic communication and navigating complex political landscapes. Demonstrated success in fostering relationships across diverse communities and political ideologies to achieve business goals.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Regional Policy Lead & U.S. Government Relations
Amazon
Atlanta, GA
11.2022 - Current
- Directing public policy and government relations for Amazon and its subsidiaries across the Southeast region (GA, NC, SC, TN, WV).
- Leading meetings, discussions and events with local and state elected officials to highlight Amazon's economic development, workforce development, artificial intelligence, transportation, and e-commerce initiatives.
- Guiding Amazon's relationship with the Republican Lieutenant Governor's Association, the National Black Caucus of State Legislators, the African American Mayors Association, and the Future Caucus Coalition.
- Managing a $1.5 million government affairs and political engagement budget, including corporate political contributions and the selection and relationships with state contract lobbyists, external counsel, and trade associations.
Global Public Policy & U.S. Government Relations
McDonald's Corporation
Atlanta, GA
07.2021 - 11.2022
- Managed public policy and government relations for McDonald's Corporation across the Southeast region (GA, FL, SC, TN, AL, MS, AR, MO, NC, LA).
- Coordinated discussions and events with local and state elected officials to discuss McDonald's Corporation's goals around workforce development, sustainability, and economic opportunity.
- Liaison between the corporation and the Governor's associations, the Mayor's associations, and other elected official organizations.
- Managed relationships with contract lobbyists, external counsel, and trade associations.
Executive Director
OneGeorgia Authority/ DCA
Atlanta, GA
10.2020 - 07.2021
- Director of the state's OneGeorgia Authority program: a rural economic development funding source with an annual state appropriation of $20-25 million.
- Liaison between the OneGeorgia Authority Board and all of Georgia's legislators, county commissions, city governments, economic development authorities, and Chambers of Commerce.
- Launched Georgia's rural broadband grant funding program ($20M budget).
- Structured Georgia's first Rural Innovation Fund for launch in July 2021 ($40M budget).
Deputy Chief Operating Officer
Office of Governor Brian P. Kemp
Atlanta, GA
12.2019 - 11.2020
- Served as Deputy Chief Operating Officer and Deputy Chief Management Officer for the state of Georgia.
- Liaison to the Governor and senior administration staff for over 80 Georgia government agencies, boards, commissions, and authorities.
- Policy advisor for legislation crafted by state government agencies.
Legislative Liaison and Policy Advisor
Office of Governor Brian P. Kemp
Atlanta, Georgia
01.2019 - 01.2020
- Legislative Liaison and Policy Advisor for economic development, transportation, and tax policy.
- Liaison to the Department of Economic Development, the Department of Community Affairs, the Department of Revenue, the Georgia World Congress Center Authority, the Georgia Ports Authority, the Atlanta Transit Link, and other state agencies.
2019 Class Member
Zell Miller Leadership Institute
Atlanta, Georgia
10.2018 - 12.2019
- The Leadership Institute is a year-long leadership development program designed to explore Zell Miller’s life, legacy, and the core values he felt were essential to becoming a more effective leader. The Leadership Institute assembles a bipartisan group of over 40 young professionals from various industries.
Deputy Policy Director
Transition Office Of Governor- Elect Brian P. Kemp
Atlanta, GA
11.2018 - 01.2019
- Coordinated policy briefings and manage policy team during the transition period from the Gov. Deal to Kemp administrations.
Deputy Campaign Manager for Policy
Kemp for Governor
Atlanta, GA
06.2018 - 01.2019
- Coordinated outreach to Georgia's Mayors, Sheriffs, County Commissioners, and other elected officials
- Organized policy roll-outs to media and interested parties
Special Assistant To Secretary Of State Brian Kemp
Kemp for Governor
Atlanta, GA
09.2017 - 08.2018
- Traveled-with and staffed Georgia Secretary of State, Brian Kemp, during his primary gubernatorial run
- Helped coordinate scheduling and outreach to elected officials
External Affairs Coordinator
Georgia Secretary of State Office
Atlanta, GA
09.2016 - 09.2017
- Liaison between the Georgia SOS office and business groups, schools, local governments, and other civic/community organizations.
- Represented the Georgia Secretary of State at organization events and state licensing conferences across the state.
- Coordinated the statewide SOS Student Ambassadors Program.
Local Government Affairs & Appeals Coordinator
Property Tax Eagle
Valdosta, GA
02.2014 - 02.2016
- Tracked federal and state legislation pertaining to affordable housing.
- Represented affordable housing developers at property appeals hearings in Georgia and Tennessee.
- Managed company and client government relations needs with local and state policymakers.
Student Body Vice President
Valdosta State University
Valdosta, GA
05.2014 - 05.2015
- Liaison between the student body and the VSU administration, served on numerous university search committees
- Coordinated student relations with local and state government officials.
- Presided over the Student Body Senate.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science
Valdosta State University
2015
Timeline
Regional Policy Lead & U.S. Government Relations
Amazon
11.2022 - Current
Global Public Policy & U.S. Government Relations
McDonald's Corporation
07.2021 - 11.2022
Executive Director
OneGeorgia Authority/ DCA
10.2020 - 07.2021
Deputy Chief Operating Officer
Office of Governor Brian P. Kemp
12.2019 - 11.2020
Legislative Liaison and Policy Advisor
Office of Governor Brian P. Kemp
01.2019 - 01.2020
Deputy Policy Director
Transition Office Of Governor- Elect Brian P. Kemp
11.2018 - 01.2019
2019 Class Member
Zell Miller Leadership Institute
10.2018 - 12.2019
Deputy Campaign Manager for Policy
Kemp for Governor
06.2018 - 01.2019
Special Assistant To Secretary Of State Brian Kemp
Kemp for Governor
09.2017 - 08.2018
External Affairs Coordinator
Georgia Secretary of State Office
09.2016 - 09.2017
Student Body Vice President
Valdosta State University
05.2014 - 05.2015
Local Government Affairs & Appeals Coordinator
Property Tax Eagle
02.2014 - 02.2016
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science
Valdosta State University