John Nico has joined the non-profit group Keep Brevard Beautiful, Inc. as the organization’s new Executive Director, effective January 16, 2024. The mission of Keep Brevard Beautiful is to develop, motivate, educate and activate community partners to reduce pollution, recycle materials, beautify spaces, and sustain the environment for the benefit of Brevard County citizens and visitors alike.
In his new role, Nico will work closely with KBB’s volunteer board of directors, community partners and staff to execute the group’s mission and spearhead the organization’s programs, future growth and local impact. As a Florida native, Nico brings to the role more than 20 years of professional experience working with community nonprofits in education, waste diversion, environmental conservation and restoration.
Nico joins us from Kennedy Space Center Visitors Complex, Supervisor of Public Programs. Prior to this, he was the Sustainability and Planning Technician for the City of Winter Park (Florida), Director of Operations for Mead Botanical Garden (located in Winter Park), and Program Director for Sanchez Art Center in Pacifica, California. He earned his master’s degree in urban planning from Rollins College and a bachelor’s degree in design and industry from San Francisco State University.
“John’s collaborative approach and obvious passion for environmental protection and beautification were a perfect match for KBB’s community spirit and legacy of leading efforts to enhance Brevard’s environment,” said Deb Harmon, 2024 Chair of KBB’s Board of Directors. “We are excited to introduce John to our stakeholders and to work as a team collectively to build upon KBB’s programs and track record of keeping Brevard a clean and beautiful place to live and play.”
A key aspect of Nico’s role will be to elevate the visibility of KBB and its mission in the community, with leading efforts to expand fundraising and revenue streams, assess and improve the group’s public programs and to steer the organization’s daily endeavors. “I see so much potential for KBB to impact Brevard’s quality of life and the health of the Indian River Lagoon beyond what it does today. With the existing programs, and enthusiasm I see from our community – it’s a great combination to build in new ways.” Nico commented. “As the county continues to rapidly grow, we will also expand and explore new possibilities and opportunities to help sustain Brevard – so I’m looking forward to engaging with our partners in creating the future of this organization.”
Headquartered in Cocoa, Keep Brevard Beautiful, Inc. was officially certified in 1981, marking the dedication by volunteers of the Beautification Committee of the Melbourne-Palm Bay Chamber of Commerce, who formed a coalition of business representatives, government and civic organizations to create a charter to become an affiliate of Keep America Beautiful, Inc. With support since from Brevard County and many municipal governments and community partners, volunteer board of directors, our staff, and thousands of community volunteers, KBB has blossomed into one of the largest Keep America Beautiful (KAB) affiliates in Florida and one of the most productive organizations in the entire KAB system. Information about KBB’s many cleanups and events, as well as donor opportunities, is available on the group’s website: https://keepbrevardbeautiful.org/
