By Nichole Krieger
Get to know our new Executive Director!
Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I’ve worked in the non-profit world my entire career, starting fresh out of college planning events and then moving into the fundraising arena. I’ve always loved being able to tie together a business and analytical background (i.e. fundraising, marketing, events) with my love of helping others. 
What’s your experience been like working with The NASCAR Foundation?
The Foundation has some of the most dedicated employees, volunteers and fans you will ever come across. We have so much fun in almost everything we do. We love to work hard but be silly and laugh at ourselves if and when the situation occurs (and it occurs often)! Some of my favorite memories with our team have been with us all pitching in together to see an event come to fruition.
What about our mission excites you the most?
As we enter our next decade of the Foundation giving back to our local racing communities, I look forward to expanding our Speediatrics Children’s Fund. Mrs. France started the idea of the Speediatrics program even before the Foundation existed. It was always a program near and dear to her heart.
Seeing how children react to too the vibrant colors and playful images of our Speediatrics characters and in turn how we can use the Speediatrics program to help ease the pain of a child going through medical trauma is very fulfilling from a mission perspective.
Whether it is as simple as providing a child with a Speedy bear or more complex like funding Child Life Specialists to help kids understand their medical procedures, each opportunity can help enhance the delivery of medical care to kids. I believe that knowing we are not only continuing her vision but growing our efforts to a nationwide program would
make Mrs. France proud.
Who’s your favorite NASCAR driver?
My favorite driver is Richard Petty. He is of course “The King” and the ultimate as far as driving goes but from a non-profit, philanthropic side – he has a heart of gold. I have literally seen him take the shirt off his back to give to a disabled veteran – he epitomizes the good that exists in our NASCAR community and all that many are doing to give back to those in need.
What would you like people to know about you?
I love to read and almost always have my nose stuck in a book (or now-a-days my kindle app). I will read anything from Game of Thrones type books to historical fiction to silly chick lit books. My husband and I love to follow The Ohio State Buckeyes football and bow down and cater to our extremely spoiled cat – Ernie.
What are some mottos or words you like to live by?
Stick with me and you will never go hungry! (because I LOVE to eat)
You can NEVER say thank you enough. (because on my tombstone it will say “she always said thank you”)
How do we wrap that up in a nice, pretty, big bow? (because anything worth doing deserves to be presented in the very best manner possible)
