Nicole Gaines, Member

My journey with the Co-op started as a gift, literally. When my husband and I got married, one of the first things he gave me was a Lexington Co-op membership. What seemed like a simple gesture became something much more meaningful: a way to feel rooted in the Buffalo community, connected to local farmers, and aligned with values that matter: wellness, sustainability, and equity.

Professionally, I’ve spent nearly 20 years in organizational development, learning & development, and leadership strategy, working with individuals, teams, and companies to unlock their potential. I currently serve as Senior Manager, Talent Management & Organizational Development at a global technology distributor. I also lead my own consulting and coaching firm, NRG Development™, where I specialize in career acceleration, leadership growth, and team alignment across industries.

I previously served as Vice President of Marketing for the Association for Talent Development (ATD), Buffalo-Niagara Chapter, and I’m a graduate of United Way’s Board Leadership Training, where I developed skills in governance, financial stewardship, and equity-focused decision-making.

As a Board Member, I’m excited to bring my experience in governance, facilitation, and people-first leadership to support the Co-op’s mission and its continued growth. I believe in the power of community-owned spaces to drive lasting impact, and I’m honored to be part of that work here.