Nicole Crain
Incoming President
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Businesses are the lifeblood of Iowa’s communities, empowering Iowans to live, work, play and give back in fulfilling ways. Advocating for Iowa’s businesses and people is an endeavor Nicole Crain, incoming president of the Iowa Association of Business and Industry (ABI), has dedicated her career to. Nicole strives to be as vital to Iowa’s businesses and industries as they are to our communities.
Nicole’s background and skills encompass public policy, governmental relations, communications, community relations, member engagement, and financial and operational management. She most recently served as Iowa ABI’s executive vice president, handling finance and operations for the organization, leading membership efforts, and working in partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation on childcare issues. She also previously served as senior vice president of public policy and director of government relations for ABI.
Before returning to ABI in 2012, Nicole was president of the Iowa Taxpayers Association. Prior to her roles with ABI, she served as director of government affairs for the Associated Builders and Contractors of Iowa. Simpson College, where Nicole graduated magna cum laude, recognized her as an outstanding alumnus in 2011. Following college, Nicole spent almost two years in Washington, D.C., with the firm of Lesher & Russell, where she worked on behalf of global agri-business companies on federal issues.
Nicole is an experienced advocate for ABI members on employment, environmental and economic growth, among other important public policy issues. As a mission-driven leader, enriching the business community and expanding on opportunities for businesses in a variety of industries in every corner of the state remains her priority and passion. Her personal history as a Blockton, Iowa native and daughter of small-business owners who operated a restaurant in a southern Iowa farming community has provided intimate insight into the unique needs of small-business owners in a variety of industries.
Outside of work, Nicole loves to spend time with her husband and family fishing and enjoying the outdoors. She is also devoted to mentoring students and giving back to her alma mater by serving on its board of trustees. Additional advocacy and volunteer opportunities have led her to sit on the boards of BIPAC, the Iowa Women’s Foundation and Iowa Healthiest State Initiative.