Nikki Yanok

Nikki joined GMRI in December of 2023 in a new capacity as Climate Finance Specialist. This role was established as part of the Climate Center to support communities, businesses, and a variety of constituents fiscally prepare and adapt for climate change. Nikki works directly with these groups to build capacity and strategically identify and secure financing to increase their resilience to climate risks.

Prior to working at GMRI, Nikki worked in community development finance at Coastal Enterprises, Inc (CEI). Her work on the lending and investment team there supported small businesses primarily in Maine and New England. She became passionate about the intersection of public and private finance and creative solutions in economic development. Previously to CEI, Nikki worked in investment management at firms like Harpswell Capital Advisors and Cambridge Associates in Boston, where she developed her interest in the pursuit of mission-related and impact investing.

Nikki graduated from Colby College in 2012 with a BA in Government and a focus on Economics. She was President of the Student Alumni Association and helped establish the First-Generation Students group on campus. While a student at Colby, Nikki served as an intern to Senator Olympia Snowe both in her Maine and Washington offices. Her experience on Capitol Hill engrained a sense of civic duty and she currently serves as a Board member for the Freeport Economic Development Corporation and for the Surf Point Foundation where she supports their endowment management.

When Nikki is not in the office, you might find her teaching a yoga class, catching a quick surf session, or trail running with her loyal running buddy, Blaze.