Nicole Smith

Nicole Smith is TQEE’s senior vice president of external affairs. She leads the organization’s communications/marketing, advocacy and development programs, all in an effort to ensure Tennessee’s youngest learners get the quality early care and education they need to power Tennessee’s future.

Nicole has nearly 15 years of experience in developing campaigns focused on inspiring constituent engagement and impacting meaningful change. Most recently, she oversaw donor and alumni engagement communications at Vanderbilt University for nearly a decade. Prior to Vanderbilt, she was senior account executive at MP&F Strategic Communications and provided account management for high-profile clients such as Walmart, Nashville Electric Service and the LUNGevity Foundation.

Nicole’s professional endeavors are fueled by her personal belief in the life-changing power of education and the legacy of her late grandfather Otis L. Floyd Jr., former president of Tennessee State University and the first African American to serve as chancellor of the Tennessee Board of Regents.

She is a proud graduate of Vanderbilt University, where she met her husband George. Together they have two sons, George and Isaiah. She enjoys spending time with her family and cheering on the Commodores.