Nicole A. Elam, Esq. is President and CEO of the National Bankers Association (NBA), the premier trade association and voice for the nation’s minority financial institutions. She is the youngest President and CEO since the NBA’s founding in 1927. Nicole joined the NBA in May 2021 from JPMorgan Chase & Co. where she was vice president and government relations manager developing public policy positions and advocacy strategies in Washington, DC. In this role, she also managed national engagement strategies and led efforts on the firm’s commitment to invest $30 billion over five years to advance racial equity and drive inclusive economic growth. Prior to JPMorgan Chase & Co., she led the government and external affairs strategy for ITT Educational Services, Inc. and served as its primary spokesperson and lead representative with the media, policymakers, trade organizations, consumer groups, investors, and the public. Nicole also worked as a senior director at the government affairs firm Ice Miller Strategies LLC. Nicole has held legal roles as an attorney at Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP focusing on congressional investigations and government enforcement actions, and a law clerk at the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund in Washington, DC. Nicole’s early career highlights include working as communications director at the Black Leadership Forum and as a legislative assistant at the NAACP Washington Bureau. Nicole received a Juris Doctor degree, cum laude, from the Howard University School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts degree from DePauw University.
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Centers and Practice Areas
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Asia Center
Extends the reach and impact of the Milken Institute to the Asia-Pacific region
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Center for Financial Markets
Conducts research and constructs programs designed to facilitate smooth and efficient operation of financial markets
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Center for the Future of Aging
Advances healthy longevity and financial security for all through high-impact policies, research, convenings, and multisector partnerships.
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Center for Public Health
Develops research, programs, and initiatives designed to envision and activate sustainable solutions leading to better health for individuals and communities worldwide.
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Center for Regional Economics and California Center
Analyzes the dynamics that drive job creation and promote industry expansion
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Center for Strategic Philanthropy
Empowers philanthropists to effectively address some of the world's most urgent problems
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FasterCures
Clears roadblocks that prevent medical breakthroughs from reaching patients sooner
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Financial Innovations Labs
Addressing society's greatest challenges through a financial lens
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Global Market Development
Working with government partners in emerging and developing economies to build strong, domestic financial markets.
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Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream
Anyone with a dream should have the opportunity to make it come true—through determination and an economic system that works for all
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Research Department
Addressing global policy issues on Health Economics, International Finance, and Regional Economics
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