When you talk about Alabama’s growth, one name often comes up: Dr. Nicole Jones Wadsworth. She has spent years traveling across the state, meeting with business owners, civic leaders, and families. Her focus is clear, how to bring opportunity to communities both large and small.
“I’ve been to all 67 counties more than 25 times,” she explains. “The best way to learn what communities need is to sit down with people and listen.”
That approach has shaped her career in economic development, real estate, and mediation, where she works to connect people, ideas, and industries.
Early Life and Education
Nicole grew up in Alabama, where she says she developed her love of history and community. Over time, she turned that interest into a career in economic policy and development.
She earned several degrees, including a PhD, an MBA, and a Master of Science in Acquisition and Contract Management. She also became a Certified Alabama Planning and Zoning Official.
In 2017, she became the first professional in Huntsville and North Alabama to receive the EDAA Leadership Certification, a program created by the Economic Development Association of Alabama and Auburn University.
Entering the Field
Nicole’s early work focused on site selection, helping businesses decide where to build offices, factories, and medical facilities. This often meant balancing numbers with people’s needs.
“To be successful in economic development, you need vision and resilience,” she says. “You have to know how to read a balance sheet, but you also need to sit at a kitchen table and listen.”
That mix of skills, finance and human connection, has guided her work for over a decade.
Building Businesses and Communities
Through her firm, Jones Wadsworth, Nicole consults with companies across the state. She also runs Jones Wadsworth CRE, a commercial real estate business that focuses on sales, leasing, and tenant representation. In addition, she leads Jones Wadsworth Mediation, where she helps resolve property and commercial disputes.
Her projects have taken her into downtowns, rural counties, and fast-growing urban corridors. Each project comes with challenges. “Any time you challenge the status quo, you will face resistance,” she says. “But I stay focused. I listen to the people, stay rooted in data, and push forward.”
Campaigns and Recognition
In 2013 and 2014, Nicole was recognized for her leadership in the I Shop Local campaign, a partnership with the Small Business Administration. The effort encouraged people to shop locally to strengthen small businesses and downtown areas.
She was also a finalist for the Russell Brown Executive Leadership Award in both 2015 and 2017. The award honors Alabama business leaders for contributions to community growth.
Philanthropy and Civic Involvement
Nicole’s work extends beyond business. She has served on boards such as the F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald Museum in Montgomery and the Heart of the Valley YMCA in Huntsville. She is active in organizations like Manufacture Alabama, the Business Council of Alabama, and the Alabama Agribusiness Council.
She has also supported food banks across Alabama. “Food insecurity is real in our state,” she says. “I try to help by donating directly and by finding grant funds that support local food banks.”
Overcoming Obstacles
Nicole talks openly about challenges in her career. She notes that pushing for new ideas can sometimes be unpopular.
“I’ve had individuals, some in positions of influence, try to block my efforts,” she says. “Not because the ideas were flawed, but because change threatens the old way of doing things. You overcome obstacles by staying visible and consistent.”
That mindset has kept her focused on long-term goals, even when progress is slow.
Lifelong Learning
Nicole sees herself as a lifelong learner. She attends conferences, reads widely, and seeks mentorship from industry experts. But she also says her best lessons come from everyday people.
“I stay grounded by listening to Alabamians,” she explains. “Their stories, struggles, and ideas keep me adapting and striving to be better every day.”
A Personal Perspective
Nicole is married to Tim Wadsworth, an attorney and member of the Alabama House of Representatives. Together, they are active in projects and volunteer efforts across the state, often bringing their children along.
She says that her family life is part of her broader mission. “When members of a community are given the opportunity to collaborate, cities and towns are built.”
Looking Ahead
Nicole continues to work across Alabama’s industries, from manufacturing to agriculture. She sees her role as connecting business growth with community needs.
“Success means creating meaningful opportunities that allow Alabamians to thrive in their own communities,” she says. “When families can build a future at home, and when corruption is replaced with transparency and expertise, that’s success.”
For Nicole Jones Wadsworth, the work of building Alabama is not just economic, it’s personal.
Interview with Nicole Jones Wadsworth
You’ve traveled to all 67 counties in Alabama more than 25 times. What did those visits teach you?
The best way to understand a community is to sit down with people and listen. Each county has its own strengths and challenges. By being present, I learned how to position both rural and urban areas for growth.
Economic development can be technical. How do you balance numbers with people’s needs?
You need both. You have to know how to read a balance sheet, but you also have to sit at a kitchen table and hear what families are facing. Real growth comes from matching data with real lives.
You’ve said that pushing for change often brings resistance. How do you handle that?
Any time you challenge the status quo, someone will push back. I’ve faced opposition not because the ideas were wrong, but because change threatens old ways. I stay visible, consistent, and focused on results.
What does success look like to you in your work?
Success means creating meaningful opportunities so Alabamians can thrive in their own communities. It means stronger local economies, revitalized downtowns, and families who don’t have to leave home to find opportunity.
You’ve earned multiple degrees and certifications. Why is lifelong learning important to you?
Growth doesn’t happen in echo chambers. I read constantly, attend conferences, and seek mentors. But the best learning comes from listening to everyday Alabamians, their ideas keep me grounded and adaptable.
Outside of your career, you’ve worked with food banks and civic organizations. Why is that important to you?
Food insecurity is a real issue in our state. I try to support food banks by donating and helping them find grant funds. Being a part of civic organizations is about service—it’s another way to build stronger communities.
