Phyllis Young Nichols has served as the president and CEO of the Knoxville Area Urban League since 2000. Under her leadership, Mrs. Nichols has expanded the affiliate’s reach, serving over 11,000 individuals and families annually through its 24 programs. Initiatives include, but are not limited to, skilled and diverse workforce training, increasing and retaining homeownership, advocating and enhancing education efforts for students of color, and supporting economic and small business development. Mrs. Nichols gained certification for the Knoxville affiliate as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), becoming the first National Urban League affiliate to receive this designation.

Recognized as a Senior Fellow by the National Urban League, her expertise in board leadership and affiliate development has facilitated her work with the Knoxville Area Urban League and other non-profit organizations throughout the country. A recipient of numerous awards and recognitions,  the Tennessee Human Rights Commission recognized Mrs. Nichols for her advocacy work around civil rights and social justice, and she was recognized with the “Women of Power” award by the National Urban League.

Mrs. Nichols is an ardent advocate for excellence and equity in public education.  She co-chaired the Taskforce for Disparities in Education to address disparities in academic achievement and discipline outcomes in the Knox County Schools. She is a member of the Tennessee Educational Equity Coalition, the Knoxville Equity Alliance, and the Tennessee Commissioner of Education’s ESSA Accountability Committee.