Kristie Nicodemus: From Virginia Roots to Business Development Leader

In the fast-moving world of employee benefits and consulting, few names carry the quiet strength and steady presence of Kristie Nicodemus. From her early days on the tennis courts of Virginia to her current role as a Senior Business Development Executive at Mercer, Kristie’s journey has been one of adaptability, connection, and focus.

“I’ve always believed in showing up prepared—whether for a game, a meeting, or life,” Kristie says. That belief has carried her through a career defined not just by titles, but by relationships, long-term thinking, and service.

Early Life: A Foundation Built on Hard Work

Kristie was born in Roanoke, Virginia, and raised in Richmond. Her father, Ben “Nick” Nicodemus, was a longtime executive at AT&T. Her mother, Sheron Nicodemus, ran her own interior design business. This mix of corporate and entrepreneurial influence shaped Kristie early on.

“My parents were very different, but both driven. I saw what it meant to commit to something bigger than yourself,” she says.

She moved several times during high school—living in Richmond, then Littleton, Colorado, and later LaGrange, Georgia. Through it all, sports remained a constant. She played both tennis and basketball, learning how to compete, communicate, and adapt to new teams quickly.

“I think playing team sports taught me how to read people. That’s helped me more in business than anything I learned in a classroom,” she explains.

Choosing Communications and Starting a Career

After high school, Kristie attended Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, earning a B.A. in Mass Communications. She was drawn to the field because it blended writing, presentation, and strategy.

“I knew early on I wanted to work with people and ideas. Communications gave me the tools to do both.”

Her first major roles were with Northwestern Benefit Corporation and OneDigital. There, Kristie learned the ins and outs of employee benefits, a complex and often overlooked part of the business world.

“You quickly realize that benefits are about more than insurance. They’re about people’s lives. Their kids, their health, their future,” she says.

This perspective helped her stand out—not just as a sales professional, but as a long-term partner to her clients.

Climbing to Mercer: Building Trust Over Time

Kristie eventually joined Mercer, a global consulting firm and part of Marsh McLennan. Today, she is a Senior Business Development Executive, working with clients across industries.

She doesn’t see herself as a typical salesperson.

“I’m not trying to close a deal and move on. I’m here to understand what a company needs, and how we can actually help. That starts with trust.”

Her success, she says, comes from consistency. “People know I’ll call back. I’ll follow through. I’ll show up.”

Those basic habits—so often overlooked—have helped Kristie grow a strong reputation in a competitive space.

What Makes a Great Business Leader?

When asked what makes someone effective in her line of work, Kristie doesn’t mention data or cold outreach.

“It’s listening. And not listening to respond—listening to learn. Clients don’t always know what they need. If you can help them find it, that’s leadership.”

She also points to curiosity as a key driver.

“This industry changes fast—tech, regulation, employee expectations. If you’re not learning, you’re falling behind.”

Kristie has stayed ahead by reading, talking to peers, and paying attention to market shifts.

But she’s also quick to say: “At the end of the day, it’s still a people business.”

Community, Fitness, and Family

Outside of work, Kristie stays active—literally and socially. She’s involved in community efforts like The Grant Park Conservancy, The Atlanta Botanical Gardens, and The Nicholas House, which supports homeless families.

“Giving back is grounding. It reminds you what really matters,” she says.

She’s also a proud mom. “Watching my boys play soccer is the highlight of my week,” she says. “It’s where I get to just be present.”

Fitness is another passion. Whether it’s a workout or a walk, she uses physical activity to stay balanced. “It clears my head. It gives me space to think.”

Lessons From the Journey

Looking back, Kristie doesn’t measure her success in job titles or company size.

“It’s the relationships that matter. The ones where someone calls years later and says, ‘You helped me more than you know.’ That’s what keeps me going.”

Her advice to others in the field?

“Be curious. Be consistent. Be kind. And don’t underestimate the power of just showing up.”

Kristie Nicodemus may not chase headlines. But in a field built on trust, service, and strategy—she’s become someone people rely on.

And in business, that’s the mark of true leadership.

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