MIKE NICHOLSON
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Michael J. Nicholson is the Mayor of Gardner, Massachusetts, and the city’s first Hispanic/Latin American elected official.
Now serving his second term, he has led transformative initiatives to strengthen Gardner’s infrastructure, enhance public services, and drive economic development. During his first term, he guided the city through its COVID-19 response, launching Gardner’s own vaccine clinic, securing millions in grant funding, and breaking ground on the city’s first dedicated elementary school. Under his leadership, Gardner has made historic investments in infrastructure, including major utility upgrades and an ambitious downtown revitalization project.
Mike's passion for public service began in high school when he interned for then-Mayor Mark Hawke, igniting his interest in local government. He went on to attend the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where he was an active campus leader. As a drum major and trumpet player for the Minuteman Marching Band, a board member of the Newman Catholic Student Center, and a member of Phi Mu Alpha fraternity, he balanced academics with deep community involvement. He was also part of the Commonwealth Honors College Emerging Scholars Program for first-generation and underrepresented students.
Graduating cum laude, Mike earned dual Bachelor of Arts degrees in History and Political Science, along with certificates in International Relations and Public Administration. He completed his undergraduate studies in just three years before pursuing an Accelerated Master of Public Policy from the UMass School of Public Policy, where he became the first student designated as a Beacon Hill Fellow.
As part of his graduate work, he worked in the office of former Senator Jennifer Flanagan, drafting his master’s capstone on implementing online lottery products in Massachusetts. In 2021, he earned his Juris Doctor from Suffolk University Law School's Evening Division.
As Mayor, Nicholson has overseen the largest infrastructure investments in Gardner’s history, including the opening of its first new elementary school in over a century. He has expanded arts and music programs in public schools, strengthened opioid prevention efforts, and is focused on continued economic development, broadband expansion, and educational opportunities for students.
His leadership has earned him numerous accolades, including recognition on the Worcester Business Journal’s 40 Under 40, Power 50, and Power 100 lists, the Pulse Magazine 2024 People to Watch Award, and the Amplify LatinX ALX100 Award.
Beyond City Hall, Nicholson serves on several boards, including the Gardner Square Two Downtown Business Association, Massachusetts Municipal Association, Massachusetts Mayors Association, and Development Board of the UMass Newman Catholic Student Center. He also sits on the Advisory Boards for the Gardner Boys and Girls Club and the UMass Amherst Commonwealth Honors College. In 2023, Governor Maura Healey appointed him to the Commonwealth’s Transportation Funding Task Force. Currently, Nicholson is honored to serve as President of the Massachusetts Mayors Association.