Shannon Nicholas

Shannon is Chief of Staff at Colorado Succeeds where she works closely with the President and the Board of Directors on the strategic priorities of the organization. In her role, she oversees the communications, advocacy, and program implementation teams. She considers herself lucky to be air traffic controller, cheerleader, and trail guide for Colorado Succeeds. Most days she just gets to work with really smart people. Shannon is passionate about educational equity and advancing opportunities for all young people in Colorado to experience an education that helps them unlock and live out their potential.

Prior to Colorado Succeeds, Shannon worked at the US Department of Education on federal policy and program implementation. She’s worked in the private sector in public affairs and public relations in Los Angeles and Washington, DC. She began her career as a Teach For America corps member teaching high school in Las Vegas. 

Shannon has a master’s degree in Secondary Education from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, a master’s degree in Strategic Communication from the University of Southern California, and a bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Davis. She lives in Denver with her husband, Jamie, an educator for 18 years, and their two boys, Harry and Max.