Nicole Virga Bautista joined CAMS in February, 2018 and currently serves as Executive Director for the California Judges Association (CJA). Nicole has a decade of association experience working with trade associations, professional organizations and local government officials. Her background includes extensive experience in government affairs, supporting associations and advocating on their behalf to state agencies, boards and commissions as well as to the State Legislature. During her time at the California Charter Schools Association, Nicole developed a constituent advocacy program that combined grassroots advocacy efforts and conventional lobbying to develop advocacy strategies and employ various tactics to advance the association’s state and federal legislative priorities.
In her current role, Nicole serves as the chief executive officer of CJA and oversees all aspects of the organization, including board relations, membership, governance, education, and public relations. She works closely with CJA’s lobbyist and legislative director, ensuring that the legislative priorities of CJA are advanced. Further, Nicole works with CAMS staff in planning conferences and meetings as well as preparing the annual budget and administering CJA’s insurance program. Nicole is also responsible for maintaining cooperative relationships with judicial stakeholders and responding to media inquiries. In her free time, Nicole enjoys spending time with her family, horseback riding, practicing yoga, and volunteering.
