Bio:

Nichele has over 27 years of experience leading teams in the mental health and homeless services sector. She led Virginia’s homeless services system through the COVID-19 pandemic and ensured access to safe shelter for people experiencing homelessness during the implementation of stay-at-home orders. During her tenure, Virginia decreased overall homelessness by 34% and was the first state to functionally end veteran’s homelessness. Nichele previously served as the co-chair of the Council of State Community Development Agencies’ national homeless committee, is a nationally recognized speaker on racial equity, and is committed to uplifting the voices of people with lived expertise. She was named one of the Virginia housing field's top 40 under 40. She has a bachelor's in psychology from Virginia State University and a master's in rehabilitation counseling from Virginia Commonwealth University. As a USICH senior regional advisor, Nichele assists state, local, and tribal governments, as well as nonprofit and private organizations, achieve the goals of the federal strategic plan to prevent and end homelessness. This assistance is provided through technical assistance that includes regulation interpretation, program coordination, training, and policy recommendations.