Nicole Avery ’87
- Senior Major Gifts Officer
Nicole Avery serves as Senior Major Gifts Officer at the University of Southern Maine Foundation, where she partners with alumni, friends, and supporters to advance opportunities for students and strengthen the university’s future. A Maine native and proud 1987 graduate of the University of Southern Maine School of Business, Nicole brings more than 25 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, fundraising, and community engagement.
Her career includes more than two decades with United Way organizations in Portland and Baltimore, as well as executive leadership roles with the Cancer Community Center and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southern Maine. In a unique chapter of her professional journey, Nicole also became a certified personal trainer and founded Zone 3 Fitness, helping clients achieve meaningful health and wellness goals.
Returning to her alma mater is a meaningful full-circle moment for Nicole, who is passionate about connecting donors with opportunities to create lasting impact at USM. She lives in Westbrook with her dog, Zoe, and remains an active volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters as a Big Sister to two young mentees. Outside of work, Nicole enjoys outdoor adventures, golf, snowshoeing, cooking, and travel. One of her favorite experiences was summiting Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania.