Nicole Echols is the Chief Executive Officer of the South Carolina Cancer Alliance, serves as steward of the South Carolina Cancer Plan, and leads statewide efforts to reduce cancer burden through prevention, early detection, and equitable access to care.

She has served as Director of External Affairs at HopeHealth, where she led efforts to strengthen relationships with key community, corporate, and governmental partners. Her extensive background in nonprofit operations and her ability to build meaningful alliances have earned her a reputation as a passionate and effective leader.

Throughout her career, Nicole has received numerous accolades, including the Florence Young Professional of the Year and Black Pages Top 40 Under 40 in 2015, and the prestigious Fred R. Sheheen Award for Excellence in Nonprofit Leadership in 2019. In 2024, she was named the Elizabeth K. Cooke Advocacy MVP by the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) for her outstanding efforts on behalf of Community Health Centers.

She holds leadership roles on several boards and councils, including Women in Philanthropy, the Women’s Rights and Empowerment Network (WREN), Pee Dee First Steps, the Truist Advisory Board, and Together SC. Echols is also an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and a past president of the Junior League of Florence. She contributes her expertise on advisory boards such as the Duke Energy Advisory Board and the MUSC Patient Advisory Council.