Nicole Rice – President

A twenty-year veteran in public policy development, Ms. Nicole Rice was appointed as President of the California Renewable Transportation Alliance (CRTA) in March 2021.  She developed her expertise representing industries, utility companies, educational organizations and local government bodies on a wide range of issues while crafting and driving legislation. 

In her capacity as President of CRTA, Ms. Rice presides over an effective alliance of industry and environmental experts and guides their engagement towards forging a more inclusive adoption of natural gas vehicles and fuels.

Ms. Rice came to the Coalition after nine years as Senior Policy Director of Government Relations at the California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA), working to improve and enhance a strong business climate for California’s over 30,000 manufacturing, processing and technology based companies.  She worked on a myriad of issues in the labor and employment field including, workforce development, workplace health and safety and unemployment insurance.

Prior to CMTA, Ms. Rice enjoyed a stellar career working as Community Affairs Manager for Nehemiah Corporation of America; Legislative Policy Strategist for Strategic Counsel PLC; Deputy Director for the California Department of Consumer Affairs; Deputy Secretary of Appointments for Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger; and Public Affairs Representative for Southern California Edison. 

Ms. Rice holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from California State University, Hayward (now known as CSU East Bay), was awarded her Juris Doctorate from Santa Clara University School of Law and was appointed by Governor Brown in 2017 to serve on the California Workforce Development Board.