Nicole Hawthorne
Board Member | Secretary
Communications Commitee
Nicole Hawthorne has nearly 20 years of experience in the insurance industry. She is currently responsible for talent engagement communications for more than 50,000 employees and leaders, including senior executive messaging. Nicole has a B.S. Ed. from the University of Georgia and her M.A.T. from Webster University. Nicole resides in north Georgia with her Jack Russell Terriers, Scout and Cricket – very cute but very naughty girls. When she’s not working or busy chasing the pups, Nicole enjoys watching her beloved, two-time National Champions Georgia Bulldogs.
Why kodiakcare
I love dogs. As an extreme introvert, I can have a conversation with anyone about my dog or theirs and quickly form a lasting bond over our shared love of our fur babies. Dogs have that magical power. When I was a kid my first dog was a beautiful German Shepherd named Tisa. For a year, she and I were best friends. But she began to struggle with her back legs to the point she could hardly get up. I remember constant expensive trips to the vet that, looking back on it, must have been a huge financial burden on my parents at the time. It was severe hip dysplasia – a very common condition for GSDs. There weren’t many options for dealing with it then and we had to let her cross the rainbow bridge. If we can spare one child and family that kind of loss and trauma, then anything I can do to help is more than worth it.
A favorite personal dog story
The “origin story” of my sweet Charlie Brown, a gorgeous Parson Russell Terrier is very sweet. Charlie showed up at my parents’ door five days before Christmas in horrible storms and a bitter cold wind three months after I had to let my GSD Jordan go. No chip, no collar and signs that he wasn’t well cared for, wherever he came from. He was my Christmas gift from heaven. He was my joy for seven short years. Charlie taught me to enjoy the simple pleasures in life – napping in warm sun puddles and soaking up the unconditional love shared between a doggo and his pet parent. He wanted nothing more than my love and attention. He left me in 2019 and I still miss that dashing, handsome little man.
A favorite dog, other than your own
It’s obviously Uga – the University of Georgia’s beloved Bulldog mascot. We’re on Uga X and he’s a dandy! He’s been in movies, named college sports best mascot by Sports Illustrated and appeared in ESPN commercials. He’s loved by millions of Dawg fans around the world. Even our foes admit he’s a #DGD!