Nicole Villamizar brings nearly 20 years of experience collaborating with federal agencies, states, Tribes, and local governments to advance circular economy solutions across a wide range of material streams. She has a proven record of designing, managing, and evaluating resource recycling programs and leading high-impact stakeholder engagement efforts. 

During her tenure at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Nicole led the development of national circular economy strategies aimed at increasing municipal recycling, reducing food waste, and preventing plastic pollution.  She also oversaw the creation and launch of two national recycling grant programs for states, Tribes, and local governments. Her experience also includes life-cycle assessment, promoting green building practices through third-party certifications and standards, and evaluating the effectiveness of electronics recycling certification programs. In these roles, Nicole consistently strengthened program performance, managed cross-agency teams, and advanced national circular economy initiatives. She is highly skilled in strategic planning, team leadership, and stakeholder engagement and outreach. Nicole’s ERG work includes managing two statewide studies examining the potential impacts of a proposed recycling refunds program (a beverage container deposit return system or “bottle bill”) and supporting state clients in designing and implementing recycling-focused grant programs.

Nicole holds a master’s degree in public administration with a concentration in environmental science and policy from Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs, and a B.A. in political science from Brandeis University. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, theater, dancing, and time with family and friends.