William "Doug" Nichols

William “Doug” Nichols was a lifelong Tallahassee resident who worked as a homebuilder and owner of two childcare centers. He later became a cattle and hay farmer in Jefferson County. Nichols was an active volunteer in community service organizations including serving as president of Goodwill Industries, Big Bend, Inc. as well as a member of the Leon County Environmental Commission and the Human Rights Advocacy Committee. He represented District 1 on the Leon County Board of County Commissioners from 1976-1986. During his tenure, he worked to increase citizen participation in government, environmental protection, and economy in business. He was also a strong advocate for the creation of a new permanent County public library. He was selected as Board Chairman from 1978-1979 and 1983-1984. In 1986, Nichols resigned from the Board to run for a state Senate seat.