Nova Chief of Staff
Case Studies
Nova students describe their experience with the certification course as transformational. But, you don't have to take our word for it! Learn about the journeys of three Nova graduates below, and see what it's like to join our community.
Meet Beth
Role prior to taking Nova’s course:
Senior Director, Alumni Relations & Development, University of Chicago
Role after completing Nova’s course:
CoS to the Chancellor of University of Illinois Chicago
Prior to arriving at University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) in December 2023, Elizabeth “Beth” Fulmer had a 16-year career at the University of Chicago, where she most recently served as the Senior Director of Leadership Engagement in Alumni Relations and Development.
During her tenure at the University of Chicago, she led and mentored a dynamic team entrusted with briefing institutional leaders, facilitating effective communications, planning high-profile events, and stewardship of the Board of Trustees. She also represented institutional leadership on numerous executive-level strategy and planning groups, including global centers and high-profile initiative launches.
Beth began her career as a research assistant in the anthropology department at Washington University in St. Louis, where she earned her BA degree. Building on her passion for social impact, she went on to work in the field of refugee resettlement while also earning an MA from the University of Chicago's Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice.
Outside of work, Beth is active in her community and is often found in her garden. She lives in the South Shore neighborhood of Chicago with her husband, son, and identical twin daughters.
Meet Leah
Role prior to taking Nova’s course:
Executive Assistant, Easter Seals Canada
Role after completing Nova’s course:
De Facto Chief of Staff
Leah Miltchin Carson is a career administrative professional and recent graduate of the Nova Chief of Staff certification course.
Having worked primarily in the charitable and not-for-profit sector, she brings more than 25 years of office administration experience, along with her newly acquired CoS skills, to her current role as EA and de facto Chief of Staff to the President and Chief Executive Officer of Easter Seals Canada – a role she has built into a unique hybrid position that is both tactical and strategic.
Leah thrives on working alongside her principal to maximize opportunities and navigate challenges in order to drive organizational success.
Meet Nicola
Role prior to taking Nova’s course:
Executive Assistant, Linxon
Role after completing Nova’s course:
Chief of Staff, HALO Trust
Currently serving as the Chief of Staff (Finance) at The HALO Trust, Nicola has a proven track record of dedication to excellence and an ability to thrive in high-pressure environments, in which she excels in driving strategic initiatives and fostering a culture of accountability.
Nicola’s commitment to professional growth is evident through her extensive qualifications, including a Chief of Staff certification, and her recognition through multiple award nominations. She is also an active mentor and volunteer, contributing to the professional development of others.
On a personal note, Nicola is married and a mother to two young girls. She lives in Cheshire, UK, with her family and two dogs. In her free time, she enjoys reading, crocheting, and spending time with her children, and she has recently developed a passion for gardening.
Take the Next Step
Whether you're a high-level Executive Assistant, a current or aspiring Chief of Staff, a rising star entrepreneur, or a C-Suite professional, our certification course will help you shine bright in your role. Use the buttons below to take the next step towards a more impactful career!