Nicole Palya Wood is a native Virginian who received her BS in Political Science in 1996 from James Madison University and caught the bug for legislative affairs while working as a legislative aide in the Virginia State Legislature.  She would later represent the National Rifle Association as the State Liaison in the Southern Region as well as serving as Manager of Government Affairs for TAP Pharmaceuticals.

On the National stage Nicole served as the Director of Legislative Affairs for the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta lobbying the United States House Financial Services and Senate Banking Committees. She continued her work on rural housing and community banking issues as the Senior Lobbyist for America’s Community Bankers, where she also served as an expert on farm credit issues. At the National Grange, Nicole served as the Legislative Director, leading the National legislative agenda advocating for rural communities before Congress.

Nicole currently serves as Senior Director of State Advocacy for the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA). She is responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive state legislative and engagement strategies.  Nicole serves on the Boards of the Virginia State Chamber of Commerce and at VHI. She and her husband live in Ashland, Virginia with their two children and enjoy spending time on the South Anna River and Buggs Island.

Committee Service