About This Episode
Now the CEO of Nicholas & Lence Communications; Cristyne Nicholas spearheaded efforts to rebuild New York City’s tourism industry in the wake of the horrifying events of September 11th. She is generally the driving force behind countless others sharing their message but is generous with her time in telling her inspiring story. (Bonus: Tim also takes great pleasure when she joins him in giving Travis a hard time!)
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About Our Guest
From Nicholas & Lence:
Cristyne L. Nicholas is CEO of Nicholas & Lence Communications (NLC), a New York-based strategic communications firm specializing in media relations, destination marketing, corporate positioning, crisis management, brand development, and government and community relations.
Ms. Nicholas is well known for her commitment as CEO of NYC & Company for leading the efforts to rebuild NYC’s $27 billion tourism industry following the tragic events of September 11th. She has worked with all facets of the hospitality industry, including Broadway, dining, hotels, transportation and media & entertainment, resulting in increased budget revenues from $10 million annually to $35 million annually and launching New York City’s first consumer TV advertising campaign, featuring celebrities such as Robert De Niro, Ben Stiller, Whoopi Goldberg and many others. Ms. Nicholas also served with Jon Tisch, who headed up “New York Rising” to promote patriotic tourism and recruit national events including the RNC 2004, CMA Awards and GRAMMY Awards, along with international events such as the World Economic Forum, the International Olympic Committee, the American Bus Association (ABA) and the U.S. Travel Association’s IPW in NYC, promoting the message that NYC was open for business. Ms. Nicholas has formulated innovative partnerships with corporate leaders such as American Express, Coca-Cola, Merrill Lynch, Target and American, Delta and Continental Airlines. In an effort to grow the vital convention sector, Ms. Nicholas successfully advocated for the expansion the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center.
In 2002, United States Commerce Secretary Don Evans appointed her to the United States-Japan Tourism Export Council. She represented the State Department in 2004 at a conference to build tourism in Eastern Europe and on several occasions testified before Congress on the importance of tourism to the US economy. She served on the boards of the Travel Industry of America and the Travel Business Roundtable as well as the New York University Tisch School for the Arts.
Her passion for travel has brought her to visit 46 states and over 35 countries with a personal favorite being Israel, which she has visited three times in her official capacity at City Hall, NYC & Company and NLC with the JCRC.
Ms. Nicholas was named one of the Top 40 under 40 by Crain’s New York Business, one of the Top 25 People in travel by Travel Agent Magazine and was also named one of the “50 Smartest New Yorkers Under 50” by Avenue Magazine. She was awarded with the Political PR Power 50 and one of the 100 Most Powerful Women in New York awards by City & State New York.
Ms. Nicholas was appointed Chair of the New York State Tourism Advisory Council in 2012. She also serves as the Chairman of the 112- year- old Broadway Association, the not-for-profit business association devoted to the cultural and economic betterment of Midtown West and
Broadway Theater district and has serves on various boards such as the Steering Committee of the Association for a Better New York (ABNY) and is a member of the Women’s Forum.