We are making history in the state of Alabama. When members of a community have the opportunity to collaborate, cities and towns are built.
- Nicole Jones Wadsworth, PhD, MBA, MS
Dr. Nicole Jones Wadsworth, known professionally as Dr. Nicole Jones, has dedicated her life to building Alabama’s communities. Dr. Jones' career involves the negotiation of complex economic development matters and commercial real estate transactions. A pioneer in her field, Dr. Nicole Jones earned four degrees and two certifications with a primary focus on contracts, economic development, and economic policy as disciplines.
In March of 2017, Economic Developer Nicole Jones became the first person in Huntsville/North Alabama and among the first group in the state of Alabama to earn the EDAA Leadership Certification. The certification is granted by the EDAA Leadership Institute, a partnership between the Economic Development Association of Alabama (EDAA) and Auburn University’s Government and Economic Development Institute (GEDI).
Dr. Nicole Jones is a conservative business leader and stateswoman. Over the years, Dr. Jones has made a concerted effort to visit communities and organizations throughout our state as a method to share best practices. By visiting all of Alabama’s 67 counties more than 20 times, Nicole Jones learned how to better position communities in both urban and rural areas for growth.
Dr. Nicole Jones works with Alabama’s primary industries daily and plays a significant role in the recruitment and retention of business and industry within our state. Being a productive member of society is an inherent component of Nicole Jones, as evidenced by her dedication to professional, civic, and philanthropic organizations and initiatives as a spokesperson, board member, and corporate sponsor.
Nicole Jones believes in Alabama, legacy, history, and heart. As an Alabama historian, Dr. Jones offers a noteworthy perspective on economic and property development by helping communities and companies share their history and stories with others. Jones exclaims, "When members of a community are given the opportunity to collaborate, cities and towns are built."
Nicole Jones spent several years building her hometown of Huntsville. In 2013 and 2014, Jones was recognized for work with the I Shop Local campaign, a partnership initiative with the Small Business Administration focused on the economic development-related benefits of shopping locally for goods and services. In 2015 and 2017, Jones was a Finalist for the Russell Brown Executive Leadership Award, a tribute to the good works and generosity of the late Russell Brown, a lifetime achievement award and honor given to business leaders for outstanding contributions to the community.
Dr. Nicole Jones collaborates with other professionals and stays on the forefront of issues that affect economic policy. Jones is a member of business organizations and trade associations including the Alabama Agribusiness Council, Business Council of Alabama, Manufacture Alabama, Strong Towns, University of Alabama Alumni Association, Alabama Farmers Federation, Alabama Forestry Association, Alabama Cattlemen's Association, Birmingham Committee on Foreign Relations, Decatur/Morgan County Chamber of Commerce, Alabama Legislative Club, Alabama Rural Health Association, Leadership Huntsville Alumni, Heritage Foundation, and several other industry, political, and civic associations.
Nicole Jones serves on the following boards and committees: Health Policy – BCA, Small Business – BCA, Birmingham Committee on Foreign Relations, Alliance for Alabama's Infrastructure, Manufacture Alabama – Federal Affairs, Manufacture Alabama - Governmental Affairs, and The F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald Museum.
In 2018, Troy University developed the Nicole Jones Student Excellence Award in Economics, awarded to an Economics major chosen by faculty who demonstrates academic excellence as well as leadership.
Faith, family, and community-building are Nicole Jones' Life's Work. Dr. Nicole's husband, Attorney and State Representative Tim Wadsworth of Arley, Alabama, works diligently to bring jobs, healthcare, and community development to House District 14. Legacy is an integral part of her core, and Nicole Jones Wadsworth instills the values of hard work and servant leadership upon their son and daughter, who often accompany them to projects and volunteer opportunities.
Dr. Nicole Jones utilizes her network of business and industry connections built over a lifetime in all of Alabama’s dominant industries and takes economic development to unparalleled levels. Together we can be confident in a prosperous future for Alabama with Nicole Jones.