Nikki Guilford
Davidsonville,MD
Summary
Public-sector operations and policy leader who supports senior officials through briefing, stakeholder coordination, and cross-agency problem solving. Brings deep experience managing executive relationships, guiding sensitive policy efforts, and organizing communication across governors’ offices, congressional offices, federal agencies, and national associations.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
Work History
DIRECTOR - Washington D.C.
Office of Governor Mike DeWine
Washington D.C.
08.2019 - Current
- Appointed by the Governor of Ohio to establish Ohio’s Washington, D.C., office and oversee state-federal relations with the Ohio congressional delegation and the federal administration.
- Facilitated reopening of Ohio's Washington, D.C., office after eight-year closure to enhance state-federal relations. to represent State of Ohio in Washington, D.C., after eight-year closure.
- Supported advocacy efforts to influence decisions made by legislators, staff members, and federal officials on behalf of the State of Ohio.
- Cultivated and managed relationships to advance Ohio's short- and long-term policy priorities.
- Coordinated with Ohio congressional delegation, House and Senate committees, USEPA, and NTSB regarding East Palestine train derailment.
- Worked with the Ohio Department of Transportation and the State of Kentucky to secure $1.6 billion competitive grant from the Federal Highways Administration.
- Contributed as a key team member (remove) legislative and executive branch advocacy and implementation efforts for the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, CHIPS Act, the Inflation Reduction Act, and Big Beautiful Bill.
- Coordinated dissemination of critical decisions and information regarding COVID-19 to inform stakeholders and support response efforts.
- Collaborated with national associations to enhance multi-state advocacy initiatives. on multi-state advocacy efforts.
INTERIM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR & CHIEF OF STAFF
National Governors Association
Washington D.C.
04.2019 - 08.2019
- Appointed as a confidante and advisor to the association's board, addressing inquiries, solving problems, and mediating disputes during a difficult transition period for the organization and employees.
- Led sourcing and recruitment process for next Executive Director, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and culture.
- Executed human resources and contract decisions to enhance association stability.
- Organized and executed a successful annual business meeting for the association and its members and partners.
- Key Achievements.
DEPUTY DIRECTOR AND DIRECTOR
Office of Management Consulting & Training
Washington D.C.
03.2006 - 03.2019
- Served as a member of the Executive team for three NGA Executive Directors while leading and managing the Office of Management Consulting and Training.
- Provided strategic leadership in matters concerning the governor's office operations, staffing, and organization to meet needs and high expectations of NGA members, including governors, governors' spouses, governors-elect, Chiefs of Staff, and various senior staff members.
- Championed high-quality customer service delivery to governors' C-suites, enhancing experience and satisfaction for state leadership..
- Worked closely with the governors' Chiefs of Staff and key gubernatorial staff members to support the effective administration of the governors' respective states.
- Analyzed political landscapes to balance and optimize the content of NGA business programs and advise gubernatorial staff on potential politically sensitive matters.
- Demonstrated full knowledge of gubernatorial leadership throughout the key lifecycle of a governor's administration, inclusive of supporting governors vying for re-election in their first term and assisting governors to secure their legacy in their final year in office.
- Designed a high-end annual training and development program for NGA's members: Chief of Staff, Legal Counsels, Deputy Chiefs of Staff, Communications Directors, State-Federal/Policy Directors, Schedulers, Board and Commission Appointment Directors, Constituent Services Directors, Residence Managers, and Governors' Spouses' Chiefs of Staff.
- Planned and executed multiple executive retreat seminars for 90+ new governors to assist in transitioning from campaign to governing the "Seminar for New Governors".
- Coordinated training and coaching programs to enhance skills and capabilities of governor staff members.
- Contributed to the clarity and accuracy of content in numerous NGA products and services, encompassing written publications, private/public convenings, advocacy efforts, and management consultations.
- Implemented NGA program as sponsor of US Communities, streamlining procurement processes for state governments.
- Established and maintained NGA's partnership with Harvard's Kennedy School to deliver a biennial business program for the governors' Chiefs of Staff.
- Represented NGA in Tokyo and Miyagi Prefecture to learn from Japan's federal, state, and local emergency preparedness and response, seven months after the 2011 earthquake and tsunami.
- Managed a strong team of multi-cultural staff that consistently achieved and exceeded set annual targets and budgets.
INTERIM DIRECTOR
Ohio Department of Administrative Services
Columbus, Ohio
01.1999 - 01.2005
- Appointed by the Governor to lead and manage a state agency during the transition of leadership.
- Communicated departmental positions to secure the governor's approval on diverse agenda and programs.
- Defended agency budget before Ohio legislature, ensuring alignment with state priorities.
- Showcased impactful results and contributions.
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
Ohio Department of Administrative Services
Columbus, Ohio
01.1997 - 01.2000
- Led and managed one of Ohio's twenty-six cabinet agencies.
- Supported the Director in managing 1,000 employees and a $200M cabinet agency, developed departmental biennial budget priorities, and periodically represented the Administration on the Ohio Public Employee Retirement System board.
- Delivered consistent top performance and exceeded all assigned goals and targets, resulting in three promotions within three years.
- Coordinated Legal, Legislative, Communications, Finance, Employee Services, and IT administrative functions and managed General Services, Human Resources, Collective Bargaining, and Equal Opportunity divisions.
- Highlighted contributions that significantly enhanced organizational performance.
- Gained extensive experience in legislative and management processes for a customer-oriented department providing business support services to state agencies, elected officials, and universities.
- Provided timely responses to legislators, media, and constituent inquiries, in addition to assessing, monitoring, and influencing legislation decisions.
- And facilitated the approval of three state-wide competitive health care procurement contracts, including Health Maintenance, Pharmacy Benefit, and Third-Party Administrator.
- Served as Deputy HR Director on the Governor-Elect's Transition Team, selected from twelve team members, and participated with five team members on the Outgoing Governor's Transition Team.
Education
BACHELOR OF ARTS - ENGLISH
The Ohio State University
Columbus, OHSkills
- Policy Development & Implementation
- Strategic management
- Stakeholder collaboration
- Policy Advocacy
- Project management
- Budget / Cost Control
- Regulatory Compliance
- Management Consultancy
- Team leadership
- Executive Presentation
- Quality Customer Service
- Interpersonal communication
Personal Information
Title: Senior Executive Team Leader
Education & Credentials
Award: Women in Government Relations (WGR) 2021 Governors Staff Award
Custom
Further Experience and References upon Request
Accomplishments
- Women in Government Relations (WGR) 2021 Governors Staff Award
Timeline
DIRECTOR - Washington D.C.
Office of Governor Mike DeWine
08.2019 - Current
INTERIM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR & CHIEF OF STAFF
National Governors Association
04.2019 - 08.2019
DEPUTY DIRECTOR AND DIRECTOR
Office of Management Consulting & Training
03.2006 - 03.2019
INTERIM DIRECTOR
Ohio Department of Administrative Services
01.1999 - 01.2005
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
Ohio Department of Administrative Services
01.1997 - 01.2000
BACHELOR OF ARTS - ENGLISH
The Ohio State University