Nicholas J. Charyk
Manager, Government and Public Affairs
Nick Charyk is a seasoned strategist who applies policy knowledge, storytelling, and execution to advance meaningful change in Vermont.
Email: ncharyk@drm.com
Phone: 802-225-5506
Direct: 802-917-2012
| PHYSICAL | MAILING |
| 52 State Street Third Floor Montpelier, VT 05602-3176 |
PO Box 1072 Montpelier, VT 05601-1072 |
Public affairs strategist, helping Vermont clients influence policy and public opinion
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.
Education
Harvard University, A.L.B., Extension Studies, cum laude
Experience
- As a lobbyist and strategist for Friends of Vermont Public Education, Nick helped shape statewide messaging and legislative outreach that advanced key policy goals.
- Directed legislative strategy and served as a contract lobbyist focused on tax policy, regulatory issues, and small business priorities for a range of Vermont clients.
- As Communications and Public Affairs Manager at AllEarth Renewables, represented the company before legislators, regulators, and municipal bodies, leading lobbying and public engagement for major clean energy projects.
- Led lobbying and coalition efforts for Voices for Vermont’s Children, coordinating testimony, stakeholder outreach, and media strategy to support the successful passage of paid sick days legislation.
- Managed paid and earned media, field operations, and lobby days for Planned Parenthood Action Fund, directing a $400K outreach campaign.
- Coordinated outreach efforts for multiple Vermont communities pursuing school construction and bond approvals, integrating message development, field strategy, and media planning.
- Served as political director for the Vermont Democratic Party, lobbying for and helping pass the state’s campaign finance reform law while advising legislative leaders on strategy.
- As Director of the Democratic House campaign in 2012, Nick elected the largest legislative majority in state history at the time, 96 of 150 House seats.
Memberships & Activities
- Consultant, Lobbying and Communications Strategy, 2014 to present
- Director of Product Development, FreshAir Sensor, 2021 to 2024
- Communications and Public Affairs Manager, AllEarth Renewables, 2018 to 2019
- Campaign Manager, Planned Parenthood Action Fund, 2016 to 2017
- Campaign Manager, Matt Dunne for Governor, 2015 to 2016
- Communications and Campaign Director, Vermont Paid Sick Days Campaign, 2015
- Political Director, Vermont Democratic Party, 2013
- Executive Director, Vermont Democratic House Campaign, 2011 to 2013
Community Involvement
Board member, The Main St Museum, a non-profit in White River Junction
Nick is a musician–he plays guitar and sings for a band called Western Terrestrials. He has recorded two albums in Nashville, and played around the country.
Publications
- Co-authored widely circulated November, 2024 Vermont elections post-mortem report featured in New York Times
- Previously co-author of weekly legislative update columns in Times Argus and Vermont Business Magazine
Presentations
- Appeared as a political analyst on WDEV