Michael J. Nichols joined the DBA as President in October 2022 and directs the organization’s work to significantly improve the experience of all who live, work, visit, own a business, go to school, or shop in Downtown Boston. Michael leads a visible, high-impact, 12-year-old organization that provides supplemental services within the 34-block DBA to support a clean, safe, and welcoming neighborhood. The DBA works to promote and foster an energetic, thriving, and inclusive business climate in the area and serves as the voice and advocate for Boston’s central business district. Under Michael’s leadership, the group has developed a multi-faceted economic development agenda to lead an equitable and impactful revitalization effort as downtown faces a new post-pandemic reality. Michael joined the DBA after five years as Executive Director of the Esplanade Association, a non-profit friends group for Boston’s Charles River Esplanade. At the Esplanade, Michael was responsible for setting a new strategic direction for the organization that included legislative authorization of the $20 million Charlesbank Landing redevelopment project, the launch of the group’s climate action and public art initiatives, and the completion of numerous other capital improvement projects and program upgrades. Michael has a long record of serving his community, having served on the University of Connecticut Board of Trustees, the Mayor’s ONEin3/SPARK Boston Council, an Adjunct Professor at two Boston-area colleges, and as President of the Audubon Circle Neighborhood Association in Boston. Michael presently serves as a mayoral appointee to the Boston Zoning Commission. He is an admitted attorney in Massachusetts with a BA and JD from the University of Connecticut.