Candidate for
Member of the State Assembly; District 66; Democratic Party

As the founder and president of a small business, Laurel knows first-hand the necessary qualities for guiding an organization and its people.

In 1990, Laurel founded the Nicholson Creative Group to help organizations communicate more effectively with their employees. Her firm works with corporations to develop communication programs that help employees better understand their benefits and compensation programs.

Prior to starting her own company, Laurel worked for the largest domestic and international consulting firm, Mercer Human Resource Consulting, LLC. Within three years, Laurel built and managed a staff of 15 consultants, bringing in $3 million a year, and was promoted to the first woman partner in the office.

In 1995, she edited and co-authored the book 401(k) Plans, Bureau of National Affairs, Washington, D.C.

Currently, Laurel serves as the chair of the 66th assembly district and on the eboard for the San Diego Democratic Central Committee. She is also a member of the Escondido Democratic Club, the North County Unity Group, the Democratic Club of SW Riverside County, the Riverside Democratic Women's Club, the Fallbrook Association of Democratic and Independent Women, the Professional Women's Roundtable, the Business Women's Networking Group, Hadassah, California NOW, and Murrieta Friends of the Library. In addition, Laurel is a member of the Valley Center Chamber of Commerce, Lake Elsinore Chamber of Commerce, an ambassador for the Murrieta Chamber of Commerce as well as a member of Friends of Hellhole Canyon, Sierra Club, and the San Dieguito River Valley Conservancy.

Married to her high school sweetheart for more than 30 years, they have three wonderful children. Managing a family and career takes a keen blend of managerial and political skills, and Laurel commits this same dedication and passion toward becoming your next assemblyperson in 2004.