Laura (Lori) Nicholes joined the Texas Association of Counties in March 1999 and has been a member of the legislative staff since October 2000. Nicholes’ prior employment includes serving as a Bexar County community supervision officer with specialized caseloads designated for domestic violence and repeat offenders; a case manager with Communities In Schools - San Antonio performing drop-out prevention, family counseling and crisis intervention services for juvenile and adult gang members; and four years of volunteer work with a Texas Youth Commission half-way house. 

Nicholes grew up in Sugar Land and attended college in Austin where she received a bachelor's degree from the University of Texas. Nicholes is responsible for issues such as:

• criminal justice/law enforcement
• juvenile justice
• jails/prison
• probation/parole
• mental health
• parks and wildlife
• border security/immigration
• liaison to the Sheriffs' Association of Texas