Mrs. Nicole Anderson joined McPherson and Jacobson in 2018
With nearly 30 years of service in education, Nicole Anderson is a nationally recognized educational consultant, executive coach, and professional development facilitator dedicated to building the capacity of school boards, district leaders, superintendents, and executive teams across California and beyond. As the Founder and CEO of Nicole Anderson and Associates Consulting, LLC, she leads a team of practitioners, researchers, and subject matter experts who partner with educational institutions, nonprofits, government agencies, and community organizations to strengthen leadership systems and improve outcomes for the communities they serve.
Since 2018, Nicole has also served as a Superintendent Search Consultant with McPherson & Jacobson, L.L.C., one of the nation’s leading executive search firms. In this role, she has successfully facilitated 20 superintendent searches, helping school districts and educational associations identify and sustain exceptional leadership. Her expertise in facilitation of governance training, leadership development, and organizational effectiveness has made her a trusted partner to school districts as well as school and county boards of education throughout California.
Nicole previously served as the first Equity Executive in the history of the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA), where she led statewide efforts focused on equity, diversity, and inclusive leadership. During her four-year tenure, she facilitated professional learning for ACSA’s state leadership and board of directors and also coordinated 6 cohorts of the Equity Network for the California School Boards Association (CSBA). Working alongside a team of consultants and educational leaders, she helped establish structures and practices that continue to influence impact-centered leadership throughout the state.
Before transitioning into statewide leadership and consulting, Nicole served as an educational practitioner in Vallejo City Unified School District, where she held numerous leadership positions over a ten-year period, including Elementary Principal, High School Assistant Principal/Dean, and Vice Principal. She began her educational career at Jesse M. Bethel High School as a teacher, activities director, coach, and leadership educator, developing a passion for leadership development and student advocacy that continues to guide her work today.
Nicole’s commitment to leadership and service is deeply rooted in family legacy. She is honored to stand on the shoulders of her grandfather, Jesse M. Bethel, for whom Jesse M. Bethel High School is named. A pioneering leader, Mr. Bethel was the first African American President of both the Vallejo City Unified School District Board of Education and the California School Boards Association (CSBA). His dedication to public service and educational excellence continues to inspire Nicole’s work and mission.
Today, Nicole partners with school boards, superintendents, district and site leaders, elected officials, nonprofit organizations, and executive teams across multiple industries to strengthen governance, build leadership capacity, and create sustainable systems that support organizational success. Through strategic planning, board development, superintendent searches, executive coaching, and customized professional learning, she continues to help leaders navigate complex challenges while ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to thrive.
A former All-State high school athlete and Division I collegiate basketball player, Nicole also brings a lifelong passion for mentoring young people and advancing opportunities for future generations. She resides in Vallejo, California, with her husband, Derrick of 25 years, 3 children, whose support continues to fuel her commitment to leadership, service, and community impact.