Nicole C. Young is a Principal at the Podesta Group. She has extensive experience in policy analysis and advocacy and focuses on client outreach to state and local governments. Prior to coming to the firm, Nicole was a Federal Policy Advisor for Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm. Telecommunications, tax policy, education and workforce development policy were among the issues in her portfolio for the Governor. Nicole also served as a liaison for Members of Congress and their staffs and for national associations and industry leaders. Additionally, Nicole developed policy priorities in coordination with the National Governors Association and served as the Governor’s representative on the NGA Economic Development and Commerce Committee during Governor Granholm’s tenure as Chair of that Committee. Nicole began her career as a Senior Consultant at Arthur Andersen, LLP. Between her tenure at Arthur Andersen and in the Governor’s office, she held positions as a Senior Policy/Legislative Associate at the National League of Cities and as a Research Associate at The Urban Institute.