Sunshine Sentinel

As Government Affairs Director, Mike Nichola has his hand on the heartbeat of Osceola County’s drive to “Be First to What’s Next.” With precision and a laser focus, Nichola has been able to strengthen Osceola’s efforts, leading to his selection as 2022 Employee of the Year.

Nichola develops federal, state, and local advocacy platforms, comprehensive legislative affairs strategy and coordinates intergovernmental resources. And he’s always at the forefront of efforts to find grant dollars to help Osceola County advance the quality of life for residents – from jobs and careers, to education, to transportation and infrastructure to healthcare.

“In this day and age identifying available funding opportunities and then successfully navigating the system to tap into them is an art that requires savvy, connections and common sense,” said County Manager Don Fisher. “In his time with the County, Mike has demonstrated his expertise in government affairs and an ability to leverage and target resources that is second to none. Mike’s work excellence, professionalism, and commitment to the County’s success are core qualities that identify his work ethic and are the reason he is employee of the year.”

Pursuing grants involves extensive preparation, numerous time-intensive steps, competitive cycles, and extreme time constraints. Nichola, a longtime Central Florida native, graduated from Cypress Creek High School and UCF before obtaining a law degree from FAMU. He brings a solutions-oriented drive and a sense of enthusiasm to the Osceola team. His experience includes working for two Congressmen – U.S. Rep. Alan Grayson and U.S. Rep Darren Soto, who currently represents Osceola.

Among his accomplishments:

• Award of $6 million for NeoVation Way through the Department of Economic Opportunity.
• Successful acquisition of stormwater grants, including a $1.26 million Community Development Block Grant -Mitigation funds for updating the County’s Surface Water Management Plan, and a $4.7 million DEP grant for the Buenaventura Lakes Master Drainage System.
• $50.8 million dollars from the U.S. Department of Commerce's Build Back Better Regional Challenge grant to expand NeoCity's semiconductor research, development, and manufacturing capabilities. (It is important to highlight that, out of 529 applications nationwide, the Osceola-led Central Florida semiconductor coalition was one of 60 finalists – and the only organization in the state of Florida to be awarded a grant.)

“I’m humbled that out of more than 1,600 amazing colleagues, the County selected me for employee of the year. It is a privilege to work for the County and to advance the County’s goals of making our community a better place to live. I thank the Board of County Commissioners and the County Manager for this honor and recognition,” Nichola said.

Nichola was recently recognized by the Osceola Chamber of Commerce as one of “Tomorrow’s Leaders Today.”

Original source can be found here.