Nicholas J. Charyk

Nick has worked at the intersection of policy, politics, and public communication for the past fifteen years. He has helped mission-driven businesses, coalitions, and nonprofits navigate Vermont’s legislative and regulatory landscape, often during moments of real consequence. Whether shaping a public narrative around education finance or building support for clean energy development, he has seen how a clear message, delivered with discipline and grounded in Vermont values, can influence outcomes and strengthen long-term relationships.

Nick’s approach is rooted in trust. He has earned it on the campaign trail, in committee rooms, and in boardrooms across the state. Many of Vermont’s elected officials know him from the hardest days of their campaigns, when clarity and commitment mattered most. That shared experience has created relationships that allow for honest conversations and strategic insight. Nick brings that same level of respect and responsibility to client work, helping organizations tell their story in a way that resonates with policymakers and the public.

Nick grew up in Thetford and chose to return to Vermont after graduating from Harvard. He has built a career that blends strategy and storytelling, and he thrives when helping others advance work that strengthens our communities.

Our Team’s Areas of Concentration:

Technology & Data Privacy
Technology policy is moving quickly. DRM helps companies navigate emerging issues involving data privacy, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, consumer protection, and digital regulation. We monitor and shape legislation, translate complex technical issues for policymakers, and help clients navigate the development of practical legislative solutions that protect consumers while allowing innovation and business growth.

Energy
DRM helps energy companies, utilities, developers, and other stakeholders navigate Vermont’s evolving energy policy and regulatory landscape. Our work includes legislative strategy, siting and permitting, renewable energy, utility regulation, electrification, and emerging technologies. We help clients anticipate policy changes, build support, and make their case effectively with lawmakers, regulators, and key stakeholders.

Healthcare
DRM represents healthcare organizations, providers, businesses, and other stakeholders on legislative and regulatory issues affecting Vermont’s healthcare system. Our work includes reimbursement, workforce, insurance, cost containment, regulation, and healthcare reform. We help clients understand proposed changes, assess their operational impact, and communicate effectively with state policymakers and regulators.

Housing, Building Regulation & Permitting
DRM helps developers, property owners, businesses, and trade organizations navigate the policies that shape housing and development in Vermont. Our work includes Act 250, state and municipal permitting, zoning, building standards, infrastructure, and development incentives. We focus on practical solutions that reduce unnecessary barriers while helping clients navigate Vermont’s complex regulatory environment.

Education
DRM represents organizations working in public education, career and technical education, school construction, workforce development, school governance, employee benefits, and education finance. We help clients navigate major legislative reforms, funding debates, and regulatory changes, while ensuring policymakers understand how proposed decisions will affect students, educators, taxpayers, and local communities.

Nonprofit Organizations
DRM helps nonprofit organizations strengthen their voice in Vermont’s policymaking process. We assist clients with legislative strategy, appropriations, regulatory issues, coalition building, and communications with state leaders. Whether seeking funding, advancing a policy change, or protecting an important program, we help nonprofits connect their mission and impact to effective public policy advocacy.

Hospitality
DRM represents lodging properties, restaurants, tourism businesses, and industry organizations on the public policy issues that affect Vermont’s hospitality sector. Our work includes taxes and fees, alcoholic beverage regulation, workforce issues, housing, permitting, consumer protection, and tourism policy. We help clients respond to legislative developments and ensure policymakers understand the real-world impact of their decisions.

Substance Use Disorder Supports
DRM works with treatment providers, recovery organizations, healthcare entities, and other stakeholders to strengthen Vermont’s substance use disorder treatment and recovery system. Our work includes reimbursement, licensing, workforce, prevention, recovery services, state funding, and regulation. We help clients turn frontline experience into practical policy solutions and ensure that decision-makers understand the impact of proposed changes.

Nonprofit Management
Strong advocacy often starts with a strong organization. DRM works with nonprofit leaders and boards on governance, strategic planning, organizational structure, leadership transitions, stakeholder engagement, and long-term sustainability. We help organizations clarify priorities, strengthen internal systems, and position themselves for growth while staying focused on mission, accountability, and results.

Public Relations
Effective advocacy depends on more than what happens inside the State House. DRM helps clients develop clear, credible communications strategies that build public understanding and support. Our work can include message development, media strategy, stakeholder communications, issue campaigns, crisis response, and public-facing materials. We help clients tell their story in ways that resonate with policymakers, the press, and the public.