Michael Nicholson

Executive and ministry leader with 20+ years of organizational leadership experience and extensive ministry service spanning pastoral leadership, teaching, discipleship, community outreach, operations, financial stewardship, strategic planning, and organizational development.

Experienced Executive

Director, Chief Operating Officer, and Chief Financial Officer with responsibility for organizations and initiatives ranging from $3M to $53M.

Principal & Chief Operating Officer at MYCHAEL STORM DESIGNS, LLC (2018 – Present)

Lead a consulting organization providing operational, strategic, financial, and organizational solutions to mission-driven and community-focused organizations.

• Develop comprehensive business plans, operational strategies, community outreach initiatives, and personnel optimization programs that have exceeded client performance goals by as much as 50%.
• Advise organizational leaders on budgeting, revenue growth, expense management, staffing, workflow, technology utilization, and operational effectiveness.
• Lead organizational change initiatives, mergers, strategic transitions, and national marketing initiatives for contracted clients.
• Develop operational policies and procedures designed to strengthen accountability, efficiency, and mission execution.
• Analyze organizational technology platforms and workflow processes to identify opportunities for improved service delivery and mission effectiveness.
• Develop personnel compensation analyses and cost-saving strategies aligned with organizational goals.

Chief Financial Officer at SPECTRUM FOR LIVING, INC. (2017 – 2018)

• Provided executive leadership for finance and multiple organizational functions within a long-term care and community services organization serving individuals with disabilities.
• Directed IT, Human Resources, Finance, Marketing, Development, Transportation, and Program departments.
• Managed organizational financial operations supporting a $50M budget.
• Led fund development activities, including restricted accounts, endowment-related short-term financing, and financial reporting to organizational leadership.
• Participated in Board of Trustees meetings and presented monthly financial information to the Finance Committee.
• Spearheaded plans for property acquisition and expansion of community partnerships and services.
• Increased technological integration by 375% through implementation of Electronic Health Records, mobile device management, vehicle tracking, and building security systems.
• Implemented financial software, HRIS, and EHR systems supporting payroll and Medicaid fee-for-service billing.
• Managed Medicaid billing and strengthened accounts receivable collections.

Chief Financial Officer at ABILITIES OF NORTH WEST JERSEY, INC. (2013 – 2017)

• Provided executive financial and operational leadership for a behavioral healthcare organization.
• Led financial planning and asset management initiatives contributing to a 17% increase in total assets, liabilities, and equity.
• Developed Medicaid billing policies and monitored compliance with CMS requirements and county, state, and federal contracts.
• Prepared quarterly financial statements for lending institutions and completed annual audits, Form 990s, and CHAR500 filings.
• Projected organizational cash-flow requirements and facilitated short-term financing when necessary.
• Supported executive decision-making through financial analysis, forecasting, and organizational planning.

Chief Operating Officer at EDUCATIONAL BUSINESS DESIGNS, INC. (2009 – 2013)

• Provided strategic, operational, and financial consulting to nonprofit, educational, and community organizations.
• Managed financial and operational budgets, plans, and services for organizations ranging from $21M to $53M.
• Developed comprehensive business plans, operational policies, community outreach strategies, and expansion initiatives.
• Developed a community expansion plan for Bridgeport and Stamford, Connecticut, including assessment for a $20M grant opportunity.
• Created a consulting organization focused on providing business solutions with an educational and mission-driven emphasis.

Chief Operating Officer at BEGINNING WITH CHILDREN (2007 – 2009)

• Introduced financial policies and procedures that contributed to a 26% increase in operational efficiency and reduced monthly financial closing from 45 days to 10 days.
• Oversaw procurement, vendor relations, facilities, security, and organizational operations.
• Improved technology infrastructure and coordinated system-wide technology updates.
• Developed compliance protocols supporting government reporting, accreditation, and licensing requirements.

Minister / Teacher at AGAPE FAMILY WORSHIP CHURCH

6 years

• Taught adult and young-adult Sunday School classes.
• Delivered messages during Sunday and midweek services.
• Supported congregational teaching and Christian education initiatives.

Member / Teacher at THE LIFE CHRISTIAN CHURCH

7 years

• Participated in weekly worship and congregational activities.
• Taught children's Sunday School classes as needed.
• Supported Christian education and ministry activities.

Operational Consultant at CHRIST CHURCH

2 years

• Provided operational support to ministry leaders and assisted with coordination of church services.
• Supported ministry heads with operational needs and service coordination.
• Coordinated services primarily under the direction of the Chief Operating Officer or Campus Pastor.
• Applied organizational and operational expertise within a church ministry environment.

Minister at ABUNDANT LIFE FAMILY WORSHIP CHURCH

12 years

• Provided ministry leadership and pastoral support across multiple areas of congregational life.
• Assisted pastors in serving the congregation through ministry, teaching, prayer, worship services, special events, and congregational activities.
• Opened worship services with prayer, facilitated church events, received offerings, delivered announcements, and taught classes and messages.
• Supported pastoral leadership in carrying out congregational and ministry responsibilities.
• Served as a licensed minister within the congregation.

Minister / Prison Ministry Leader at GREATER COMMUNITY NETWORK

7 years

• Traveled throughout the United States to lead ministry services in correctional facilities.
• Provided Bible studies, spiritual encouragement, and Christian teaching to incarcerated individuals.
• Coordinated practical support involving food and clothing for inmates and their families.

Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) in Administrator Leadership – Walden University

Master of Science (MS) in Business Management – New Jersey Institute of Technology

Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology – Rutgers University