Nicole Lake serves as Chief of Staff & Special Counsel to the Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP). In this role, Nicole works across the agency to develop and execute strategic initiatives and provides counsel on legislative and management matters.

Prior to her work with DESPP, Nicole enjoyed a wide ranging legal career. In the private sector, Nicole served as Chief Impact Officer at LAZ Parking, Executive Vice President of LAZ Investments and General Counsel of Community Health Center, Inc. Within government, Nicole served as Chief Counsel to Attorney General William Tong and Associate General Counsel to Governor Dannel P. Malloy.

Nicole is a graduate of the University of Iowa, Harvard Divinity School and Northeastern School of Law.  In addition to The Village, Nicole serves on the Board of the Wilson-Gray YMCA, located in Hartford’s North End. Most importantly, she is the proud and tired mother of two wonderfully energetic kids and a demanding goldendoodle.