Nicky grew up in Ruch, Oregon where she was raised with horses and cattle on a small family ranch that included a forest allotment. She raised 4-H market steers and later became a Crater FFA member where she continued with market steers and tried her hand with a lamb.

After graduating from high school, Nicky started an 11-year career in wildland firefighting, where she worked on hand crews and engine crews, and later became of supervisor of both. In time she found her way behind the wildland fire scene tracking resources and managing training and qualifications for 12 years. Nine years later, Nicky is still working in natural resources. Nikki served as Zone 3 Director for JSWCD from 2021-2023 and now serves as a Director Emeritus.

Nicky has been raising market sheep the past six years with her husband and two teenage sons, marketing to local consumers and a few club lambs annually. She manages approximately 5 acres of cross fenced irrigated pasture and another 5 acres of dry lot. In addition to sheep, she raises a flock of chickens for egg production.

Nicky has an appreciation for Oregon’s renewable and natural resources and is excited to be a part of JSWCD, working to preserve these resources for generations to come.