Nick Ayers facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Nick Ayers
Ayers in 2017
Chief of Staff to the Vice President
In office July 28, 2017 – January 1, 2019
Vice President	Mike Pence
Preceded by	Josh Pitcock
Succeeded by	Marc Short
Personal details
Born	James Nicholas Ayers (1982-08-16) August 16, 1982 (age 43) Cobb County, Georgia, U.S.
Political party	Republican
Spouse	Jamie Floyd ​ (m. 2005)​
Children	3
Education	Kennesaw State University (BA)

James Nicholas Ayers (born August 16, 1982) is an American political strategist and consultant. He is known for serving as the Chief of Staff for Vice President Mike Pence. He held this important role from July 2017 to January 2019. Before that, he was a key leader in Pence's campaign to become Vice President in 2016. He also led the Republican Governors Association from 2007 to 2010.

In 2010, Time magazine recognized Ayers as one of the 40 most influential people in politics under 40 years old. He also worked as a senior adviser for President Donald Trump's team as they prepared to take office. In December 2018, many news groups thought he might become the White House Chief of Staff, but he chose not to take the job. Ayers decided to leave the Trump administration at the end of that year.

Early Life and Education

Nick Ayers grew up in Cobb County, Georgia. He learned to respect public service from his parents when he was young. He graduated from South Cobb High School in 2000.

After high school, Ayers studied at Kennesaw State University. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in political science in 2009. He also studied international affairs in the United Kingdom as part of a study abroad program.

Career in Politics

Starting in Politics: 2001–2003

While in college, Ayers joined the College Republicans group. He became the president of his school's chapter. During this time, he met Sonny Perdue, who was planning to run for governor of Georgia. Ayers joined Perdue's campaign, taking time off from college to help him.

Ayers had planned to become a banker. However, working with Perdue changed his mind. He decided he wanted a career in politics. In 2002, Perdue won the election. He became the first Republican governor of Georgia since the Reconstruction period. Ayers said he chose to work as a senior adviser to the governor instead of being a college freshman. He continued his studies at night and on weekends.

Leading Campaigns: 2004–2006

In 2004, when he was 22, Ayers became the manager for Governor Perdue's re-election campaign. He was seen as one of the Republican Party's "fastest rising stars." Two years later, Perdue won re-election by a large amount. Ayers managed the entire campaign.

Republican Governors Association: 2007–2010

When Governor Perdue became the chairman of the Republican Governors Association (RGA), he chose Ayers to be its executive director. Ayers and his colleague, Paul Bennecke, created a four-year plan. Their goal was to make the RGA more professional and plan for future elections.

When Ayers started, the RGA had a budget of $20 million. By the time he left in 2011, the budget had grown to $135 million. The RGA became the largest political action committee in 2010. This success helped Ayers become known as a rising star in politics.

Working with the RNC: 2010–2011

After his success at the RGA, Ayers was considered for chairman of the Republican National Committee (RNC). However, he decided not to seek the position. Instead, he helped Reince Priebus in his campaign for RNC chairman. After Priebus won, Ayers helped lead the team that prepared the RNC for its new leadership.

Political Consulting: 2011–2016

After leaving the RGA, Ayers worked as a partner at an advertising firm. He also started his own political consulting firm, C5 Creative Consulting. In 2011, he took a break to manage the presidential campaign for Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty.

Ayers also helped with other campaigns. In 2013, he helped Bruce Rauner win the election for governor of Illinois. Rauner was the first Republican to win that position in 12 years. Ayers also helped Tom Cotton and David Perdue win their U.S. Senate races in 2014.

In 2016, Ayers was a strategist for Governor Mike Pence's re-election campaign in Indiana. When Pence was chosen to be the Vice-Presidential nominee, Ayers became a leading strategist for his replacement, Eric Holcomb.

Pence's Vice-Presidential Campaign: 2016

Nick Ayers was the first person from Mike Pence's team that Donald Trump's team contacted. He helped with the process of choosing a Vice President. Within two weeks, Pence was named to the national ticket. Ayers then became the chairman of Pence's campaign efforts. He worked as a volunteer. Ayers, along with Marc Short and Josh Pitock, helped prepare Pence for his convention speech and the Vice-Presidential debate.

Transition and Post-Election Work

After the 2016 election, Ayers was named a senior adviser for the Presidential Transition team. His name was again mentioned as a possible chairman for the Republican National Committee. He was a strong candidate but did not get the position.

In January 2017, Ayers and other aides started a new group called America First Policies. This group works to support the policies of the new administration. Ayers also played an important role in advising President Trump to choose two people from Georgia, Sonny Perdue and Tom Price, for his Cabinet.

Chief of Staff to the Vice President: 2017–2019

On June 29, 2017, it was announced that Ayers would become Vice President Mike Pence's Chief of Staff. He officially started this role on July 28, 2017. He announced in December 2018 that he would leave the Trump-Pence administration at the end of that year.

After Working for Pence

In August 2020, Ayers and Donald Trump Jr. worked to stop the Pebble Mine project in Alaska. Ayers tweeted that he hoped President Trump would ask the Environmental Protection Agency to block the project. This project had been a source of disagreement for many years.

Personal Life

Nick Ayers lives in Atlanta with his wife, Jamie (née Floyd). Jamie is a former schoolteacher. They were married in May 2005. Jamie is also a second cousin of former Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue. Nick and Jamie Ayers have triplets, who were born in December 2012.

Ayers is on the board of directors for Leading the Way. This is an international Christian ministry.