Nicola Soares
As president of Kelly Education, Nicola Soares believes that education is the bedrock of a thriving society and that the talented people who work in our schools, colleges, and universities are crucial to powering the future of learning and unlocking student potential.
Nicola has successfully led the expansion of Kelly Education from providing substitute teachers in K-12 schools across the U.S., to providing specialized talent solutions––including adjuncts, paraprofessionals, tutors, therapists, and nurses––in academic settings from early childhood through higher education, making Kelly Education the nation’s largest and most trusted education talent solutions provider.
She recently led the acquisition of the premier executive search agency, Greenwood/Asher & Associates. The firm’s reputation for inclusion and diversity in academic leadership placements in higher education is unrivaled. A champion of women in the workforce, Nicola serves as the executive sponsor for the Kelly Leadership in Action program—which began with a focus on women, and is now dedicated to developing successful leaders of all genders in the global marketplace. She’s also the executive sponsor of the Kelly LatinX Affinity Group, an employee-led community focused on building a more inclusive workplace.
Nicola is recognized as one of the 100 most influential people in the workforce ecosystem by Staffing Industry Analysts. She’s been named as a “Global Power 150 – Women in Staffing” leader for three consecutive years, and Profiles in Diversity Journal has placed her on the “Women Worth Watching” list for her work in building inclusive environments.
With more than 20 years of experience in education, she works with policymakers to effect change and writes about topics shaping the future of learning. Nicola is a proud alumna of the Fryeburg Academy in Maine, where she also serves on the Board of Trustees. She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Lynchburg in Virginia.
Prior to joining Kelly® in 2010, Nicola was first a teacher, then a pioneer in academic product innovation at McGraw-Hill Education and NBC Universal, where she led sales and marketing for the education initiative, NBC Learn.
