Ruth Nicholson, CPF, MPA

Ruth Nicholson has a diverse work experience spanning multiple industries and roles. Ruth began their career in 1998 as a Project Manager and Senior Facilitator at the Hanford Nuclear Reservation, where they worked on various contracts involving cleanup, risk assessment, and natural resources damage assessment. Ruth also served as the project manager and senior facilitator for the Hanford Advisory Board, providing guidance and consensus advice on the cleanup process.

In 2002, Ruth founded Nicholson Facilitation & Associates, LLC, a woman-owned private facilitation practice. Ruth'swork includes organizational development, meeting design and facilitation, conflict resolution, and training in facilitation and conflict resolution. Ruth has also provided leadership and governance support to youth sports organizations.

Ruth has been involved in the facilitation profession on an international level as an IAF Certified Assessor since 2007. Ruth assesses candidates for professional certification in facilitation in various regions across the globe.

As an author, columnist, and content developer, Ruth has contributed to several platforms focused on soccer and youth sports, including MaxOne, Soccer Today, and Sports Engine Community.

In 2019, Ruth joined TeamGenius as a Customer Success Specialist, offering design help, training, and troubleshooting to youth sports clubs and coaches. Ruth also facilitated virtual meetings and round tables to address challenges faced by youth sports organizations.

Ruth is also the co-creator and event designer of the GO! Chase Excellence Think Tank to Improve Youth Sports. The online event brings together experts from around the world to identify and promote realistic solutions for youth sports.

Additionally, Ruth has worked as a community liaison for the Snohomish County Football Club and as an instructor for the United Soccer Coaches and US Youth Soccer. Ruth'sroles involve conducting workshops and training sessions on conflict resolution, leadership development, and strategic planning in the context of youth sports governance and operations.

Ruth Nicholson holds an MPA degree in Public Administration, with a focus on Natural Resources Policy and Environmental Law, which they obtained from the University of Washington from 1983 to 1985. Ruth also has a BS degree in Forest Resources and Land Use Planning from the same university, which they completed from 1979 to 1983.

Apart from their formal education, Ruth obtained several certifications: they earned a Special Topics Diploma in The Science of Youth Soccer from the National Soccer Coaches Association of America in January 2016. Ruth also received a Club Development Diploma from the same institution, as well as an IAF Assessor certification and an IAF Certified Professional Facilitator designation from the International Association of Facilitators. Additionally, Ruth obtained a Level 2 Diploma from the National Soccer Coaches Association of America and completed Professional Mediation Training from the Dispute Resolution Center of Snohomish County.