Nicole Osborne Watson
Partner and Senior Policy Advisor

Overview
Nicole Watson is recognized for her leadership and judgment in developing and executing effective legislative and government relations strategies across Tennessee and the Southeast. She represents the interests of corporate clients, industry groups, professional associations and not-for-profit organizations before elected officials in the Tennessee General Assembly, the United States Congress and government officials in numerous local, state and federal agencies.
Ms. Watson's experience includes drafting and negotiating legislation, assisting with regulatory and rulemaking compliance strategy and traditional lobbying to the state legislature, the state executive branch, congressional representatives, state and federal agencies, city councils, county officials and community leaders. Additionally, she monitors legislative developments and educates clients on legislative processes, procedures and progress. She also manages political action committees (PACs) and fundraising programs for clients and provides guidance on grassroots advocacy efforts and the development of coalitions.
Previously, Ms. Watson led government relations, public policy and economic development initiatives for a Chattanooga-based law firm. Earlier in her career she gained valuable government and regulatory affairs experience with Tennessee American Water Company and the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council. While attending law school, she served as a Federal Government Affairs Summer Associate for the National Rifle Association and a Government Relations Intern for a leading bipartisan government relations firm in Washington, D.C. Before attending law school, she served as a congressional intern on Capitol Hill for United States Senators George Allen (R-Va.) and John Warner (R-Va.).
Credentials
- Regent University School of Law, J.D.
- Emory & Henry College, B.A., Mass Communications, Political Science, cum laude
- District of Columbia
- Tennessee
- Chattanooga Bar Association, Board of Directors
- Tennessee Bar Association
- Tennessee Lobbyists Association
- City of Chattanooga Health, Educational and Housing Facility Board, Appointed Member
- Tennessee Chamber of Commerce and Industry Public Affairs Committee
- The Trust for Public Land, Volunteer Leadership Committee
- Chattanooga Woman of Distinction, 2019
- Hamilton County Dolly Parton Imagination Library Fundraising Committee, Chair
- Women's Fund of Greater Chattanooga, Voices Luncheon Committee, Chair, 2022
- Junior League of Chattanooga, President, 2018-2019; Sustainer Advisory Council, Chair, 2019-2020
- Girls Inc. of Chattanooga, Volunteer
- First Presbyterian Church of Chattanooga, Strategic Planning Committee
- Hamilton County Read20, Appointed Board Member
- Cherokee Area Council Boy Scouts of America, Friends of Scouting, Vice Chair, 2015-2016
- Girls Inc. of Chattanooga, Honoree, UnBought and UnBossed Awards, 2017