Nichol Higdon is a mission-driven business and philanthropic executive with more than two decades of experience driving operational excellence and strategic growth across nonprofit organizations. Nichol joined McKnight in early 2020 as vice president of finance and operations. In this capacity, Nichol drives organizational effectiveness and strategic alignment across the Foundation’s systems, operations, and culture to amplify mission impact. She leads the Foundation’s Enterprise Operations Team, including its finance, people, culture, and belonging, information and technology, compliance, and facilities and guest services departments.
Under Higdon’s leadership, the McKnight Foundation successfully relocated to a renovated historic headquarters that exemplifies the organization’s commitment to people and planet. She oversaw the complex financial planning for the sustainable renovation of the 140-year-old building complex, which achieved LEED Gold certification through innovative features including Minnesota’s first Storage-Source Heat Pump System, thermal energy storage, and the use of reclaimed materials that diverted over 75% of construction waste from landfills. Beyond environmental sustainability, Higdon ensured the project created an inclusive community hub with expanded meeting spaces designed to foster equity, belonging, and connection, positioning the Foundation to better welcome and serve the thousands of grantees, partners, and community members who visit annually.
Throughout her career, Nichol has shown great skill and success in creating systems that lead to deeper organizational effectiveness and impact. Her leadership foundation was built through service in the United States Navy as an E-4 Petty Officer Third Class. For 12 years, she held senior leadership roles serving YMCAs, specializing in human resources, operations, fundraising, and board and community engagement. Prior to joining McKnight, she was vice president of operations and executive director for the YMCA of the Greater Twin Cities. Before that, she was senior vice president of operations and chief operating officer for the YMCA of Greater Hartford, and executive vice president of operations and chief human resources officer for the YMCA of Greater Cleveland.
Nichol holds a JD from Cleveland-Marshall College of Law, Cleveland State University, and a BA in business administration with a human resources emphasis from David N. Myers University. She has also been an active leader in civic life and volunteers and serves on numerous boards.