Nichols is a graduate of Mars Hill University with a bachelor’s Degree in Biology with a focus on field studies. In addition to her work in the planning field, Nichols was recently elected as a supervisor to the Buncombe County Soil and Water Conservation District Board.

Sara Nichols - Progressive Policy Institute

Sara Nichols earned a bachelor's degree in biology, with a focus on field studies, from Mars Hill University.

Sara Nichols earned a bachelor's degree in biology from Mars Hill University.

Sara Nichols joined Land of Sky Regional Council in Summer 2018 as a regional planner on the Economic and Community Development team. Nichols' work heavily involves the intersection of economic development and natural resources. Her work includes community issues with funding strategies, case studies, data analysis, and planning solutions. Her career in local government includes over ten years of conservation planning for water quality with the Soil and Water Conservation District, parks and recreation planning, infrastructure, and western North Carolina economic development issues. Nichols holds a Bachelors of Science degree in Biology from Mars Hill University.

Land of Sky Clean Vehicles Coalition (Western North Carolina)

Prior to joining LOSRC, Nichols served in local government for 11 years working in local economic development, conservation planning, business development, and grant management for Madison County. During this time, Nichols started a broadband program that has led to $44 Million in investment across the region in broadband and digital inclusion programming.

Sara works as a regional planner on the Economic and Community Development team at Land of Sky Regional Council. She previously worked in local government for Madison County in economic development, conservation planning, business development, and grant management.

Sara was elected as a supervisor to the Buncombe County Soil and Water Conservation District Board.

2026 North Carolina General Election

What strategies would you emphasize to improve water quality for recreational users, such as tubers and paddlers, on the French Broad and other local waterways? People are inherently drawn to water, and our area is inherently blessed with access to water. If this natural asset can give us work, play and livability, we should make it a planning priority. Since the French Broad has varying water quality, I would emphasize knowing how to find out if there are safe days or sections that are better to enjoy the water and focusing resources on improving water quality. Public education about water protection is also critical.

2022 General Election Voter Guide: Buncombe County Soil and Water Conservation District Board of Supervisors

How can the Soil and Water Conservation District best support the county’s goal of conserving 20% of county land by 2030? We must work together with other county departments and partners to look comprehensively at places in the community for conservation or growth. Soil and Water works closely with many of the county’s largest landowners to help them continue their work in agriculture and facilitate conversation easements that can help the county reach this exciting goal. By bridging the differences we have among ourselves and embracing our challenges together, we drastically increase our ability to do beautiful things together.

Plans to prioritize information about safer sections of rivers and resource investments to improve water quality.

Said public education about water protection is critical.

Calls for county departments and partners to comprehensively identify places for conservation or growth.

Supports working with major landowners to sustain agriculture and facilitate easements toward the county's land-conservation goal.

- Plans to prioritize information about safer sections of rivers and resource investments to improve water quality.
- Said public education about water protection is critical.
- Calls for county departments and partners to comprehensively identify places for conservation or growth.
- Supports working with major landowners to sustain agriculture and facilitate easements toward the county's land-conservation goal.

Energy & the Environment

As of September 2, 2026, Sara Nichols did not have a website or any information online.

Administration

Sara Nichols

As of September 2, 2026, Sara Nichols’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Isaac Brickman

Buket Urgen

Alan Ditmore

Anthony D. Cole

Trent Duncan

- A soil and water conservation district supervisor is 1 member of a board of 5 supervisors that works to improve the soil and water quality in the county through education. 
- The board of supervisors provide technical and financial assistance to help land users maintain their land and surrounding ecosystems. 
- The board of supervisors design long term conservation programs that teach environmental care, pollution reduction, and provide incentives for using these practices, especially for agricultural workers. 
- The board of supervisors provide short term educational services like competitions, field days, and workshops to educate the public on conservation. 
- Soil and water conservation district supervisors are elected to 4 year terms in non-partisan races. However, 2 of the board members are appointed by the state soil and water commission. 

Member of board of supervisors that creates aid programs and educates people on environmental conservation. 