During the meeting, NSSGA also unveiled its newest "Meet the Chair" video, which shares more about Nickolas’ background in the aggregates industry. Shot at Martin Marietta’s headquarters in Raleigh, North Carolina, and its nearby Garner Quarry, the video elaborates on Martin Marietta’s culture and Nickolas’ vision for the industry.

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Background
Nickolas’ introduction to the aggregates industry began in 2008 when he joined Caterpillar Inc. (CAT). During his tenure with the company, he found the knowledge and insight he gained while working in strategy and development, and later as Group Chief Financial Officer for CAT’s Global Mining business unit, provided him with a host of formative experiences that would help prepare him for an industry career.

"Aggregates is a nationwide industry with many participants, but it feels like an extended family in many ways," Nickolas said. "It’s filled with great, hard-working people with whom you can create lasting relationships."

After joining the Martin Marietta team in 2017, Nickolas moved his family to Raleigh. Soon after, he became familiar with NSSGA and its federal advocacy work on behalf of the entire industry.

"I quickly realized how important it is to participate and have a voice within NSSGA," he said. "NSSGA knows everyone, and everyone knows NSSGA. That’s a testament to the association’s connected, dependable and talented team."

Though he doesn’t have a background in politics, Nickolas enthusiastically engages in political policy discussion when it affects the aggregates industry and enjoys following the news out of Washington. These interests align with NSSGA’s work to keep members informed of breaking updates, whether it’s about new legislation or potentially harmful regulations that may impact the industry.

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NSSGA Leadership
In 2019, Nickolas served in committee leadership as the Meeting & Events Committee Liaison and helped curate content for the association’s four annual meetings and AGG1 event.

In 2020, he became a ROCKPAC trustee, a role that involved raising awareness of ROCKPAC’s important advocacy mission. Also among his responsibilities was encouraging industry members to contribute to ROCKPAC and approving how the political action committee’s (PAC) funds were disbursed.

"The PAC allows the industry to punch well above its weight class and gives us a seat at the table," Nickolas said. "ROCKPAC opens the door for NSSGA staff on Capitol Hill. That’s why it’s important that we all give."

Nickolas will now lead the association as Board Chair through the 2024- 2025 term. Facing a partisan divide in Congress, he admits that some of his goals could be viewed as lofty.

"I would like to bring attention to the need for a long-term and predictable approach to funding infrastructure at the federal level," he said. "We—and the country as a whole—would benefit if politicians once again began viewing infrastructure as a non-partisan issue most effectively addressed through an adequate and stable funding source."

During his acceptance speech in Nashville, Nickolas acknowledged the industry’s historic accomplishments and emphasized the association’s strong reputation and wealth of expertise. He said he will continue the work of uniting the industry as Board Chair while spreading the message that membership in NSSGA provides value for every producer.

"I want to grow our chorus of voices and increase our membership," Nickolas said. "As NSSGA Chair, my goal is to work across the industry to encourage all producers to become active members. No matter our size as individual companies, we face many of the same challenges. We are more effective in finding solutions with one voice."

Originally published in May/June 2024 Stone, Sand & Gravel REVIEW.