Nicole Rice

Nicole Rice serves as the Senior Policy Director, Government Relations for the California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) –a statewide, non-profit association that works to improve and enhance a strong business climate for California’s 25,000 manufacturing, processing and technology based companies, an economic sector that generates more than $230 billion every year and employs more than 1.2 million Californians.In this role, Ms. Rice guides her membership through California’s complex legislative and regulatory policy maze on a myriad of issues related to labor and employment, workforce development, workplace health and safety,retirement programs and unemployment insurance. As a twenty-year veteran in public policy development, Ms. Rice developed her expertise representing small businesses, utility companies, educational organizations and local government bodies on a wide range of matters while crafting and driving legislation. In her effort to effect change, she also worked with grassroots community leaders to equip them with the intricacies and blueprints required to succeed in navigating the Sacramento public policy arena.Prior to joining CMTA in 2012, Ms. Rice worked as Community Affairs Manager for Nehemiah Corporation of America; Legislative Policy Strategist for Strategic Counsel PLC; Deputy Director for the California Department of Consumer Affairs; Deputy Secretary of Appointments for Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger; and Public Affairs Representative for Southern California Edison. She also spent several years in the California State Assembly and had the honor of being chosen for the 1998-99 Senate Fellowship Program.Ms. Rice holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from California State University, Hayward (now known as CSU East Bay) and was awarded her Juris Doctorate from Santa Clara University School of Law.She currently serves as a gubernatorial appointee to the California Workforce Development Board and represents the manufacturing industry as a board member of the EDGE Coalition and co-chair of the Get R.E.A.L. Coalition.